A Star Is Born!

I'm working with a new piece of gear, a B+W +5 close-up filter, using

it on a Nikkor AF 28-105mm, 1:3.5-4.5 D Macro. I'm pleased with the

filter, and this pic came out mostly as I saw it. I'd be great if you

would tell me what you think of the concept, the composition, and any

other factors you care to include. Thanks for taking a look.

David, a interesting image you have created here, really like the highlighted hairs on the stem they seem to be the strongest feature of the flower, the actual flower seems to be secondary here. Another feature I like is how you have left the sunspots in image. Some great use of light in this image. Well done!

Nice shot and good use of DOF (hollywood style) in my own opinion I would use a stronger frame , thats just me, but the shot is excellent, congratulations //Salvador

Thanks, Roger! I'm glad you like the light. I'm very pleased with it and the lens effects. This pic would not have near the energy, IMHO, without the light, colors and diagonal energy set up by the sun dogs.

 

I like that you see the hairy stem and leaves as the prime attraction, and the bud (it really isn't a flower, yet) is at least not demanding, if not actually secondary. I think it's not often that the hairs on the stem are the main attraction... most flower pictures feature the blossom as the main attraction in some fashion or another. So, I'm drawn to this because it is decidedly not cliche, not 'the usual' flower shot, and brings the viewer a perspective most viewers would probably not find on their own.

 

I'd be interested to know if there are any PS maneuvers, adjustments, or compositional changes you think would increase the impact of this, given the elements that are here, and knowing the image is well within the range of what I saw through the lens and in my mind's eye.

 

 

It is a beautiful photograph. Your capture of light and texture is wonderful. I even like the little spider webs--au naturale, unmanipulated--the sign of a good photographer. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you very much for looking and for your very nice compliments.

Very inventive and as you state, certainly not cliche. I like the way the background is clearly divided into two sections, each with its own colour scheme. The placement of the bud in relation to the division, works well, leaving the bud not entirely in either sphere but rather straddling the divide.

The entire composition feels well balanced and in harmony. I'm glad I dropped by, this one is a treat!

 

In terms of PS suggestions, all I could suggest is perhaps cloning out that tiny bit of backlit leaf running out of the frame to the left of the stem base. It is not disturbing me but I do not see it contributing anything to the scene.

David, pleases me we are on the same page with this image of yours. I would give it 10/10 for originality. Have also just noticed your title, which brings a smile. I do a fair amount of work with flowers, but can not recall seeing anything quite like this before.

 

As to your question about Photoshop, I would not be the one to ask there. I use it very seldom. I would be one of those relics from the past who probably started shooting about the time you bought that little Kodak "Brownie" you speak of. There are so many people here on p/n that are very good working with Photoshop, that am sure someone shall come up with something for you. Shall look forward to seeing more of your work.

Regards, roger

As you can see, I've re-posted after cloning out the back-lit leaflet. To my eye, that seemingly small change dramatically enhances the punch of the image. Amazing how something so small and seemingly unobtrusive can actually be having quite a marked effect! Thank you, Gord! And thanks for your other generous and detailed comments. I do so value your observant and punctilious reviews. It's helpful (not to mention rewarding!) to know what you think of this composition, and that you've commented on what I thought was there. So, that's reinforcing, too.

"I do a fair amount of work with flowers..." is quite the understatement! It's a compliment that you found my shot interesting enough to spend time looking at it and it's very helpful to know what someone with your experience, specifically with flowers, thinks about this image. That's valuable information! Thank you, Roger!

I agree and I'm frankly surprised myself at how much impact that leaf tip had been exerting on the composition. I originally saw it as a minor distraction, however removing that tug it exerted, pulling my eye out of the frame, makes a significant improvement.

 

Sometimes it's all in the details. A few weeks back, Fred pointed out a small rim of reflection in one of my floral shots and suggested subduing its impact. I did just that and it made for a substantial change and improvement.

Wonderful backlighting! GREAT work David....congrats....LJ

Thank you! Your visit and your opinion mean a lot to me!

Without that leaf tip, one's eye is much more content to stay in the frame. It's good to be surprised so , in order to learn, to be reminded there's much we don't know and/or wouldn't predict, and to insure photography is always new.

Magical effect, David, love it! Congr. Richard H. Out of Canada

Thank you, Richard. Much appreciated!

From the last uploads this one is impressive. First because of the flower's details and than the BG special light, which create the impression that the flower is" flying" in the air... as it has no ground....The BG is adding a nice atmospher to the whole. I like as well the tiny web on the flower's back. Original execution David.

Pnina, Thanks for stopping by... always good to see you've been here. I'm glad you like the elements you noted in this pic, and I certainly agree it's the pick of the last group. I'm especially glad for the confirmation of this being a different approach. Thank you very much!

David, always glad to see you in my side as well. As a matter of fact I like the other two also , but this one is special.