New Elder

This was taken using a small LED torch for illumination, and just

painting light over the subject during the 5 second exposure. Black

background is rubber pond liner (from Firestone). I'm trying to

continue along the lines of my photographs of the Venus Flytrap.

These picture - in my view - look lovely when printed on satin

paper. Any comments or thoughts on how I might improve this would be

much appreciated.

I can see how this and the twig pic you just posted would look good on satin paper, and they're both quite interesting to me from the standpoint of b/w vs. color. It's especially so with the twig where I keep wanting to see green buds. This one doesn't "demand" the color for me as much, rather I'm taken with the orientation that somehow conveys sadness to me, even though it's new growth. I guess it's the downward direction - opposite or counter-intuitive vis a vis growing things - but that's also a big part of what makes it interesting. I very much like the very sharp borders and contrast, and I like the crop. To my eye it definitely needs all the space you've given it on the left. As for how to improve on it, I'm completely at a loss... I like it as it is.

David, many thanks for your valuable comments on this and the old twig picture. I'm also torn between colour and BW for the old twig picture. When I took them last night I definitely wanted BW for both so that they would fit together, and I feel that BW definitely works best for this "new elder" picture. But when I look at the old twig one in colour, I can't help but think colour really does add something - with he red and green of the new buds, and the greyness of the lichen.

 

What I've done is uploaded colour versions of both of these pictures to the "nature" folder. If you get the chance to look I'd be most grateful.

 

Re the "sadness" resulting from the new elder pointing downwards - I hadn't considered that at the time. The thought I had in my mind was that when I'm felling pretty upbeat and happy I like to take pictures of venus flytraps and plants and plants and twiggy things like these, and I tend to do self portraits when I'm feeling pretty glum. Perhaps what I have done is unknowingly forced some sadness on the new elder! I've uploaded colour happy one as well now.

 

Thanks again David.

 

Pete

Now that you've posted the color versions, *and* inverted this one, I have to tell you I like the originals better! Ha! Go figure! I can see how you'd be unsure between the twig in color or not, but this one is far more stunning and artistic this way.

Very fine and lovely low light work, which really has a brilliance all its own. The light seems to radiate off your subject here but it also feels like an inner light of sorts. This seems like a black and white appropriate situation. As for the twig, that would be for you to decide. I think both the b/w and the color each have a draw, yet different moods, the black and white, as usual, feeling a little more classical and traditional. I think the color is warmer and less "arty." I like each equally. It's funny, I can't think of any photos I have that I've done a color and a black and white version. As I say that, I realize it seems a bit unusual. I seem to get hit in the gut with which way I want to go with each image. Your gut isn't leaning one way or the other with the twig?

I thought I was the only one weird enough to use a flashlight! Lovely image, Pete. The composition is very, very pleasing and the use of black space is wonderful. Texture, space, composition: Extremely well done.

 

This image got 4/4s? Incomprehensible.

David, I'm settled on this one too - I definitely prefer the upside-down sad look!

 

Fred, my gut is definitely leaning to the BW for both this and the twig - I know the twig loses some of the interest in way of new buds, but I feel it's just a much stronger image in BW and is what I was aiming for. Thanks for your input on it.

 

Rachel, many thanks for your input too. I whipped out my LED torch after looking at some of your flower pictures again. And wanted to combine that with something like Ian's toned BW images. The two seem to go well together. Many thanks for the inspiration!

 

Thanks again to all of you - you're really helping me to enjoy experimenting :))

 

Pete

I'm truly flattered. I'm inspired by this one to try for more interesting lighting now.

this is stunning. i think a satin finished gallery wrap in this one would be breathtaking....no frame....just print. the tones and negative space work perfectly.

it's funny, i just started playing around with hand held 'painting with light' techniques these past few weeks.... and here, i stumble upon your portfolio...it inspires me to keep playing. thanks :)