white flowers in sunlight

[stu-52]

OK...so, I should have read the chapter in the book I have where it says to shoot flowers on an overcast day and not in direct sunlight. Here are two shots of some jasmine flowers in my backyard. One is hand-held without any exposure comp at 0.0 EV and the other is on the tripod and -1 EV.

White flowers seem to be a problem due to the bright sunlight which is why the first shot makes the petals seem washed out and lacking in detail. I still like the composition, but the second shot has much more detail in the petals probably because of the under-exposure. I need to try again when it is overcast.

[A.M.D.A.]

#1 is my favourite. I like how the buds form a "ring" around the center flower. I agree that the highlights could be a touch better exposed, though, it isn't too bad as is now. #2 has better highlight detail, but #1 is better composed.

If there aren't any overcast days, try using a large piece of white fabric and place it over the flowers (with a support/s).

[jetrim]

I agree w/ AMDA the comp on the first is much better. You might try bumping the the contrast down to reveal a bit more detail in petals.

[snoid]

White flowers can be tough even in subdued light. Try bracketing as much as you can. Then do some PP to bring out more detail.
I like the comp. on #1 too.

[stu-52]

OK....I went out today, overcast skies. Took a few more shots and got this one. No exposure compensation. I think the best thing is to take shots like this when it is overcast as my book was suggesting.

[Riverside]

I hope you don't mind a "newbie" observation?
(I really hate critiquing when I am so green..but here goes..cuz you asked I do.*grin*)

I loved the composition of the first but found the focus a bit soft.The upper left flower focus on the second was much better, but the composition wasn't as interesting.

The last?
I wonder "what if" you had picked the flower to the left of your focal flower?
Tack sharp focus on the main flower and nice depth of field, but that second flower not only covered the main flower, it drew my eye away.

[stu-52]

Thanks for the observations, that's why I started this thread in the first place.

In the last shot I was striving for the proper focus and exposure more than the composition. Of the three shots, I DO like the first better for overall composition, but the exposure is what I had a problem with. I liked the exposure better in the last one and, as I said, I think that's why the "experts" say to shoot flowers on an overcast day.

thanks again.

[Riverside]

I think you did great on that last one..and you are definitely on a roll now! ;-)