Cone on Black

[Old Timer]

OK I'm venturing over here because I tried something a little different for me. I do a lot of macro or closeup flower and critter pictures so nothing new there. I use neutral or black backgrounds indoors frequently as well. However today a found a beautiful cone flower without bugs or deformity. I wanted a nice image of it with out picking it and taking in indoors for the shot. Mid afternoon sunlight gave me a wide number of exposure options but I had a cluttered and distracting background. I had my wife hold a reflector with the black side behind the bloom to isolate the flower and center weighted metered on the flower. I was pleased with the out come. What do you guys think?

[jkriminger]

looks very good OT...I think you did a nice studio alternative.

[Grandpaw]

Very nice job! I'm not much of a fan of square crops but I think this one would look even better with a square crop eliminating some of the stem, Jeff

[mjs1973]

I think it looks great Larry. I like your DOF. Keeping everything in focus on this flower really makes is pop against that black BG. I'm a big fan of shooting colorful flowers on a black background, both inside and out. I have a couple hards of black velvet that I keep handy for just this type of thing. If there isn't anyone around to hold it for me, a lawn chair usually becomes my assistant.

[Frog]

Love the color and sharpness throughout. Good thing your wife helps and natural light works so well. I would like a bit more space at top if you cropped it.

[gahspidy]

Great work, Larry. Nice to know this was a joint effort by a great duo!
I would not change a thing other than to try to get rid of some of the murky areas in the black bg. Seems not all of the bg turned out black as some areas seem murky gray and washed out somewhat. It would be very easy to use your selection wand (magic wand would do) and select the bg. then lower the levels until it all turned down pure black.
This is a stunning image

[Didache]

Stunning Larry. I agree with a slight crop off the bottom but that is really a minor nit-pick. It could look nice as part of a series too.

Cheers
Mike

[Old Timer]

Thanks to all for your very favorable comments. I do tend to agree with those that think it needs a small bottom crop and Gary your suggestion of further darking and evening up the black background is very valid. Thanks to Joy for her help and to mother nature for this beautiful bloom.

[Addies Granddaddy]

Works for me, Larry. I think you did a great job with this one.
John

[Greg McCary]

Nice OT, I commented on this in the gallery. It's a true gem.

[Old Timer]

I appreciate you taking a look and your comments John and Greg. I don't often post on critique and am appreciative of the advice and remarks.

[MB1]

I don't think it needs a bottom crop.

I don't think it needs any changes.

I do think you owe your wife bigtime.

Very, very nice. So-so flower images are a dime a dozen, this one is outstanding. I like the color, composition, lighting, background focus and DoF. The fact that you in essence preplanned this makes the whole thing even a beter reflection of good photography skills and the knowledge to previsualize the final image.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Old Timer]

I've known I owed my wife big time for a long long time. Thanks for your vote of confidence on this image MB1 always nice to know that you approve. I'm a real fan of your excellent work and it means a lot when you give the nod of approval.

[GB1]

Very nice Old Timer. I would crop it somewhat.. Just play around with a few, see what works.

Also, this puppy is so perfect that I think that it would be best to make it even more so by editing the stem and removing that little bump on the right side.

G

[Old Timer]

Thanks G! That little bump will go in the final edit of this image.

[Alison]

WOW! Talk about impact! Those vibrant colours on the black are gorgeous!

[Old Timer]

Thanks Alison! This image has had the effect I was hoping it would when I took it. I have found myself getting lazy lately and not really working to give my photos the extra punch they need. Maybe I can turn the corner.