Another Rose.....

[arne saknussen]

I heeded the critiques from my previous flower shot. This was shot with a 100mm macro with a +10 close up lens. The other shot was with the same lens but a +4 close lens attached. I really appreciate the comments.

[NKP68]

I like the persective, color and texture of the flower. The image has a nice feel. I would have liked more sharpness at the center though. The green BG in the upper left leads my eye out of the frame, it would like to stay and get caught up in the spiral but it's unable to.
All in all, nice capture.
Ed

[LeeIs]

The folds are nice and proper. The upper left green is, I think, unnecessary. I think it takes away from the composition as well. The shot is also a bit soft. These types of macro shots really need to be tact sharp.

i think this is the first time i comment on a flower shot

ok, maybe not. but flower shots are like Kryptonite

[armando_m]

...
ok, maybe not. but flower shots are like Kryptonite

As long as you're not superman you should be fine and no harm is done

About the shot, I agreeit has to be sharper, being a long exposure I guess it was not completely still

very nice red tones !!

[arne saknussen]

Here is another attempt. I don't think its sharp enough yet. Aaaaagggrrhhhh!

This is a very small flower. I tried taking it outside, but even the slightest breeze was too much. Its already on ISO 800 with an f32.

But thanks for the help.

[CLKunst]

Hey there!

I like your original rose quite a lot. Since I'm not familiar with what setups you're using I'll make some general suggestions so you can generally improve your macro shots. Primarily I think that your images are being perceived as soft, even when shot at F32 with an ISO of 800, is lighting. The heavy shadows between the folds of the flower and inadvertant wiggles by the flower in a longer exposure add to the illusion. I believe you mentioned you were using a screw on magnifing lens, I use those too and there is signifigant loss of DOF with this style of magnifying filter and only so much you can do to correct for that for truly sharp macro images you may want to consider extension tubes.

However, lighting will give you back the shutter speed you need to sharpen shadows and details, give you more midrange color detail and increase the DOF illusion to your advantage. Simple solutions such as an overhead light source with a reflector underneath (i.e. clamp light on top and aluminum foil on the bottom) or a white box or just about anything. . .I used to wear white shirts to jobs so I could use myself as a reflcetor for babies and small children. I highly encourage you to experiment with how to bounce the light around and make it work for you. It's fun! :thumbsup:

[arne saknussen]

Hey there!

I like your original rose quite a lot. Since I'm not familiar with what setups you're using I'll make some general suggestions so you can generally improve your macro shots. Primarily I think that your images are being perceived as soft, even when shot at F32 with an ISO of 800, is lighting. The heavy shadows between the folds of the flower and inadvertant wiggles by the flower in a longer exposure add to the illusion. I believe you mentioned you were using a screw on magnifing lens, I use those too and there is signifigant loss of DOF with this style of magnifying filter and only so much you can do to correct for that for truly sharp macro images you may want to consider extension tubes.

However, lighting will give you back the shutter speed you need to sharpen shadows and details, give you more midrange color detail and increase the DOF illusion to your advantage. Simple solutions such as an overhead light source with a reflector underneath (i.e. clamp light on top and aluminum foil on the bottom) or a white box or just about anything. . .I used to wear white shirts to jobs so I could use myself as a reflcetor for babies and small children. I highly encourage you to experiment with how to bounce the light around and make it work for you. It's fun! :thumbsup:

Thank you so much for the advice and comments, they are very helpful. I had been experimenting with light and there would be something blown out, usually the rim of the flower. Outside natural light wouldn't work because of the wind. I shall try reflectors next and maybe some natural sunlight through a window. I did not know that I lost that much dof with a screw on filter, but that should have made sense.

But, really, thank you for such an informative critique.

[GB1]

Ohh.. these have so much potential Arne, esp the pink one. But I find the lack of sharpness a deal breaker - and sad. Anything you can do to capture a sharper image?

If the wind blowing is an issue BTW, try a cardboard box with top and bottom removed for a wind shield.

G

[CLKunst]

" I shall try reflectors next and maybe some natural sunlight through a window. I did not know that I lost that much dof with a screw on filter, but that should have made sense."

You're gonna love what you get with reflected light once you get the hang of using reflectors. Don't forget there is no wrong, just practice. Keep pushing until you get it the way you want it. :thumbsup:

[arne saknussen]

I think this is getting better, but still a ways from where it sure be.