what did I do wrong here?

[caleb7mm]

it was dusk (the backside of it almost dark) and the center of the flower still seems screwed up Am I to close to it or what?

F13, 4 seconds, ISO 200

[Frog]

Were you using a tripod? If not, then its dang good for 4 sec.
What is the minimum focusing distance of your lens? Were you too close?
Looks like your focus is on the twig in back instead of the flower.
Just thoughts.

[caleb7mm]

tripod yes, I think I was too close, I was using a 55-200MM VR lense. Im going to go back out tomorrow and try to shoot it again.

we will see if it gets better.

[snoid]

Focus is off a bit.
it also seems a bit over saturated.
I have the same problem with reds.
Are you shooting RAW or jpg?

[DrRoebuck]

With that long of an exposure, I would think even a slight breeze would move the flower enough to give you a soft image.

But it also looks like the stem on the left flower is pretty sharp and, if that's closer then the centered flower, maybe that means you were indeed too close.

[jetrim]

DrRoebuck is correct about even the faintest breeze. Also consider DoF when in that close. According to your EXIF data and a guess at the shooting distance, look how shallow the depth of field is, even at f/13:
Subject distance 3 ft

Depth of field
Near limit 2.99 ft
Far limit 3.01 ft
Total 0.35 inch
anything not in that 1/3 of an inch will not be in focus. If you shot it from 6' away, the "in focus area" grows to 1 5/8" So based on the side view of the adjacent flower you should be shooting from 7'-8' away at a minimum.

Something else to consider trying, which has helped my long exposure shots immensely, is to utilize the timer function so that the shutter opens 2 seconds after you depress the button. This gives the camera time to settle after any possible jarring from your finger.


.

[caleb7mm]

it was shot in raw.

thanks for the info, I will try again tonight. last nights attempt didnt pan out to well.



--c--

[OldClicker]

Did you wait until it was so dark that it required 4 sec for a reason? Or just turned out that way? - TF

[caleb7mm]

just turned out that way. And again today
I will however make it out there earlier tomorrow

[Shebang]

I shoot Canon IS which I believe is equivalent to your VR. My understanding is to have the IS turned off when using a tripod. Does yours work that way?

[Frog]

I shoot Canon IS which I believe is equivalent to your VR. My understanding is to have the IS turned off when using a tripod. Does yours work that way?

Goo point!
If the vr isn't turned off when on the tripod the lens will keep searching or so I understand.