paul_callahan

The composition is not entirely original. I saw a similar composition on the cover of a guide book, so I tried to re-create it. This is my attempt.

Looks better on a darker background, but oh well.

Please view as size 'large' to get the best detail. The other sizes obscure the graininess.

Please comment on this photo. Don't be shy with negative comments.

Thanks.

I like taking abstract, blurry shots. This one I took from the front

seat of a cab, barrelling down Broadway, downtown.

I think the angle on this shot is great. Very creative composition. Perfect placement of the bug. In some ways I like the way whatever it is behind the bug (another plant or clouds out of focus?) frames the bug, but I wonder if it might be better without it. I also think having the full length of the petal in focus might improve this. (Though getting that kind of dof might be easier said than done ;) But all in all excellent work!

To answer Scott's question: The sky was nearly pitch black away from where the sun was coming up. I didn't underexpose or darken the periphery. I think the way the clouds were kept the rest of the sky dark.

I saw this sunrise on Interstate 80 about 5 in the morning after

driving all night. As soon as I saw this, I wanted to pull over, but

further down the road hills obscured the sky. I was really tired,

plus very sick and was tempted just to drive on, but I decided to

turn around and go back. The next exit was about 15 miles. I

finally got back to the spot. I set up my rolleiflex on a tripod on

the side of the highway, nearly pitch darkness. Tractor-trailers

were whizzing by at 80 mph. I took a few pictures at different

settings, and was on my way. Later, I sent the film to be

developed. When it came back, I found that when the developers were

cutting the negative, they cut right through the bottom of the image

on the best shot!!! Ugh! Anyway, some creative scanning fixed this,

and so here it is. So please tell me what you think. I forced

myself to go back and get this picture. I think it was worth it.

What about you? If you look carefully, you'll notice that some of

the branches are a bit out of focus. Do you think this detracts from

the photo at all? Thank you.