Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Lilac Buds

  1. #1
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    1,109
    Threads
    156
    Thank You Posts

    Default Lilac Buds

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    After this past winter it's so nice to see the flowers and buds starting to come out again. This shot is from a lilac bush in my yard that is starting to show those signs of spring.
    Canon 7D, 100mm 2.8 macro, 1/25 sec @ F/11, ISO 200, 0 ev, AV, manual focus, pattern metering, on tripod, PP in Lightroom3

  2. #2
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    2,940
    Threads
    288
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Although as is this image may reflect what you or your camera saw when the shutter button was pressed, usually a photograph would look "better" to viewers in general if it has good contrast and vibrant colors. I also think as is this image has a color cast on it (cloudy day?). So, I took the liberty and made some quick adjustments to it just to give an idea what the final image could be like:


  3. #3
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    1,109
    Threads
    156
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thank you for your time and effort Desmond. I agree that the repost has much more punch and yes it was a cloudy day. You have given me something to work toward and it is appreciated.

  4. #4
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    586
    Threads
    35
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I like the detail in the front bud and the OOF BG is great, Dave. I would like to offer some additional suggestions to supplement Desmond's:
    • The rear bud is distracting both because it merges with the one in front and because it is not sharp. Therefore I recommend gently bending such elements out of the frame before making your exposure.
    • There is too much negative space at the top of the frame. I like angled compositions, but think this might work better if you angled it a little less (stem coming in from the bottom near the corner rather than through it) and either moved the subject up a bit, cropped from the top, or moved in closer (if your rig will allow). A square crop would have worked well without the rear bud.
    • The bright spots on the stem draw my eye. You could tone them down with burning (I prefer painting with black on a layer full of 50% grey and the blend mode set to overly using a soft brush and low opacity rather than using the burn tool) or careful use of a curve.

    I hope you find at least some of these ideas helpful.

  5. #5
    Brendan Dozier
    Guest

    Default

    I like this composition, Dave. All the different elements of the plant are interesting to explore with the eye. Great suggestions from Desmond & Mitch, and I think the repost does make the image stronger by bringing out the detail and color more.

  6. #6
    BPN Member Steve Maxson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Bemidji, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,801
    Threads
    818
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Dave. I like what Desmond did with the repost. By comparison, the OP looks gloomy - probably not the look you were going for to show the first flowers of spring after a long winter. The repost has more brightness and punch - more of a spring-like mood. Cropping and comp are usually somewhat subjective and Mitch has given you some suggestions to consider. The OOF buds don't bother me too much, but that again is subjective. You might try blurring them even more to see if that helps the sharp buds in front stand out more. In the field, you could try a different shooting angle to get both groups of buds in the same plane of focus - just some thoughts to consider.

  7. #7
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    1,109
    Threads
    156
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks everyone. Some really great thoughts, and much to consider. I do agree that the repost has a warmer, springier feel. I'll keep playing with it and try to find some more buds to get better angles.

  8. #8
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    West Nottingham, PA, USA
    Posts
    7,038
    Threads
    427
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Lilac buds already! I'm in PA and my Lilacs show no signs of flowers. Lucky you.

    I like the upsweep and repetition of those little green leaves. The bg is lovely--blurred and with interesting colors. The purple of the buds looks good against the bg. Nice details in the front bud.

    No need to repeat above suggestions. I look forward to more.

  9. #9
    BPN Viewer
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    1,109
    Threads
    156
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks Anita, Hope you get your buds soon. I'll keep working on my macro skills. The feedback here is helping a ton.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics