Need Advice

[Loupey]

Something new for me. First time using strobes in a studio for flowers. Well if you can call my kitchen floor my "studio" in this case

Anyway, I've always glossed over such images in galleries and festivals. But I have to admit is was fun and challenging at the same time. Perhaps my winter project.

I don't want to say what I used and how until I hear your impression of it.

Thanks in advance.

[AmberC]

I think its really pretty. I love seeing a black background like that because the subject just pops. The flower looks awesome and I love how the top is folded just the slightest bit.

I'm not really good at giving feedback on things because I am so very NOT technical about things and its hard for me to explain why I like things sometimes, but I think thats a really beautiful image.

Amber

[karen m.]

I am with Amber, I am not technical either, I just know what I like

I can really see the different textures in the flower and the black back ground against the white flower stands out.

[mjs1973]

I think it looks good Loupey. Composition wise I think it's very nice. The one thing that I can't decide on is the glow around the edge of the flower.

I really like colorful flowers (or anything colorful) on a black BG. A yard or two of black velvet is a great investment for a "studio".

[Canon_Bob]

I definitely like it, and it certainly looks technically well done. Well outside my genre of expertise, but pleasing nonetheless. Good work.

[paulnj]

Sorry, but that image does nothing for me. I don't like the backlighting as it looks unnaturally to me.

[RobMac]

I like it. The only thing I wish was there would be some additional slight illumination of the main flower stalk. Sorry but it's been a while since my last biology class and I can't remember if that's the stigma, style, etc. But you see some detail at the tip and I think that might add to the picture if it could be carried down.

Just to be clear, I'm really nit-picking here, this is a very nice photo as is!!

[Loupey]

Thanks, everyone, I appreciate ALL your comments.

Please be nit-picky as I am new to this. I'd like to see how others view such images before I go expending a lot of time/effort on a whole series.

I was concerned about the following:

1. The color tint overall as this is a really white flower and I taped a #85 warming filter on the strobe illuminating it from behind
2. The darkness of the (stamen?) as RobMac mentioned
3. The slightly brighter curly-q at the tip caused from the overhead strobe
4. The overall brightness (seems a little dark in the white areas still)
5. The overall contrast (seems a little flat still - especially at the bottom stalk)
6. The "hot edge" around the perimeter as mjs1973 noticed

I'll try to work out the shot some more in my head and see if I can't shoot some different interpretations of it later.

The technical details:

1 strobe directly behind with warming filter #85
1 strobe directly overhead to illuminate the curly-q
1 reflecting umbrella beneath/in front to bounce light back onto the stamen
50mm f/1.4 lens
No backdrop necessary - juiced up power to the strobes to bring down the effect of the ambient light on the background

Thanks again!

[Mule]

For me one of the interesting aspects is that the petal takes on a flame like appearance starting at the base and moving up. I like it.