Spring Jewel

American Columbine, the northeast variety. Comments welcome.

Both this photograph, and the "Forest Ghost' are 'jewels' in my estimation. This columbine image is just sublime. It has always been one of my favorite flowers, and I never tire seeing them. Thanks for sharing both of these very unique and wonderfully executed photographs! Have a great weekend. Cheers! Chris

Thanks Chris - I love finding these over looked jems,especially when I have the big-bad landscpape image on my mind. It reminds me that someday if I can't do the big backpacks and crazy stuff, there will always be something interesting to photograph. Now, I've got to get back to planning my next big-bad backpack! Enjoy the weekend as well. Harry

I really like this composition, Harry (as I do pretty much all the work you've posted on PN). Especially effective are the out-of-focus columbine blossoms in the background, and the way they give such a subtle accent to the blossom in the foreground. Lots of dynamism, and tack sharp in all the right places.

Still, this image looks a bit too harsh to these eyes. This comes from two things, I think. First, there's just a bit too much contrast, with the result being that the bright yellow on the foreground flower looks almost blown out (even though it isn't). More significantly, the color cast is too blue. This is an image that could really benefit from a warmer, softer light overall, the kind you get from about 15 minutes before sunrise, perhaps.

Thanks John, I'll try warming it up a little and see how it looks. I was careful with the contrast so as not to loose detail in the bright yellow and reds. The day was overcast, hence the detail throughout without harsh lighting. Thanks for your input.

Hi John - I used the color cast tool in PS and dragged the slider toward the yellow a little and dropped the cyan a touch. It does make the greens a bit more inviting. Thanks for the idea.

Yes. This is much gentler on the eyes. It really is a lovely composition.

This is possibly the best outdoor shot of a columbine I've seen.

Thanks Aaron for the compliment. They are so wispy, that getting a sharp shot with an attractive background can be a challenge. Many thanks, Harry