Rose Macro

[Xia_Ke]

After playing with the Filter Comparison I decided to break out the Nikkormat and my 35-135mm Macro to try some close ups. I'm undecided with the DOF on this one. Part of me likes it and it achieved what I wanted which was to snap your eyes to the center of the rose. The other part of me wishes the focus was shifted a tad forward. What say you?

[gahspidy]

I'm also feeling that I would have liked to have the focus a bit further front. that would have still kept the back end in pretty good sharpness as dof carries alot further from front to back than from back to front. Still a decent composition and nice tones. I think the bg could be a bit more subdued to allow the flower to stand out a bit stronger.

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Gary The background was my other concern with this shot. Oh well, it was good practice. I had forgotten how much fun macro stuff can be...LOL

[jorger101]

Did you originally shot in B/W? I wonder what it looks like in color. I like the photograph, but I love flower pictures so I am biased.

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Jorge Yes, this was shot with Kodak Plus-X 125. I was playing around in Lightroom after scanning and added a slight split toning to it though.

[Xia_Ke]

A little quick burning of the background....

[jorger101]

Thanks for answering my question. I find that shooting in B/W is difficult to predict the contrast of colors. You may want to try using a filter on the lens to bring out the flower color and separate it from the background.

[Xia_Ke]

I would have used a filter but, I don't have an adapter ring for my Cokins to fit this lens I do have some for my Rollei though. Here's some shots of these roses taken with my 'cord:

B&W filter comparison

[jorger101]

Thanks for the link. I see that you are well versed on the use of filte rs.

[Xia_Ke]

I wouldn't say well versed by any means...LOL Getting better though

[jorger101]

Practice makes perfect.

[AgingEyes]

My main concern is that dark area on the left (another rose there?). Burning it darker made it worse, IMHO. I'd have avoided it in my shot. The rose itself looks good. As for DOF, front of back...I don't have a preference

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks AE Did I mention that my absolute WORST bad habit when shooting is not looking past the subject to the background?...LOL I could dodge that flower a bit but, I think this one is just a tosser at this point