Anita's Photoblog
Cala Lily Detail
Posted by Anita (West Nottingham, United States) on 22 January 2008 in Plant & Nature and Portfolio.
Not as sharp as I would have liked.
The Cala lilies at Longwood took my breath away, reminding me of the fabulous garden of my childhood in Peru and of my mother. They were, however, challenging to photograph well. I will have to go back and try again.
*****THANK YOU FOR VISITING ANITA'S PHOTOBLOG!*****
I welcome your honest critique, especially if they will improve my photography.
If I have made a mistake in a flower identification, please let me know!
A few words about the EXIF data, beginning in April when I began using Nikon D300 and the Sigma 105mm macro: My new camera and macro lens record the relative or effective f stop, not the one seen on the lens. For an explanation of this, go to the next to the last question at this site.
@DaWn.~: Thank you.
@Cris: Thanks. I like to get in close.
@lucie: Thanks.
@Steven: Many thanks.
@Jrask: Thank you.
Scott Collins from Ontario, California, United States
I agree it's a little soft, but it's really hard to combine a macro shot with deep depth-of-field (there might have been a little camera shake too). At least the subject lends itself to a softer shot. Nobody can argue with the composition, however, it's wonderful! Any shot with a inward spiral really holds your attention and brings the viewer into the shot. Great work!
23 Jan 2008 1:01am
@Scott Collins: Scott: I appreciate your thoughtful comments. You make a good point about the very narrow depth of field in macro shots. I used a tripod and a delayed shutter release, so I don't think there was camera shake, but, the focus might be off a bit. My macro lens' auto focus does not always work well, and my eyes are not the best.
GJC from Kyoto, Japan
I agree with Scott (above). The composition is fabulous and the DOF may contribute to a certain fuzziness, but in fact it makes it also interesting in that you start with a textured surface and spiral inward into a soft one, so actually I think it works well.
23 Jan 2008 1:09am
@GJC: Thank you for your comment. I especially appreciate your positive words about the composition. I was especially aware of the softness because it is an area of my photography I'm working on improving.
Tali from Serendipity, United States
What an interesting and lovely shot! I like it!
23 Jan 2008 4:12am
@Tali: I'm glad you like it.
@10cré: Merci!!
Paul Michko from Exton, PA, United States
Oh Anita, Brava brava!!! This is stunning.
25 Jan 2008 11:57am
Kerri from United States
Wow Anita....i adore this one. There is something very sensual about this shot!
Wonderful!
28 Jan 2008 2:33pm
Elspeth from St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Wow. Your flower shots are great. Are they all natural lighting?
2 May 2008 3:26am
@Elspeth: Thank you so much! Yes. I only use natural light. The photos taken at the Longwood Gardens conservatory, such as this one, benefit from the fabulous diffuse light of the conservatory. I'm finding out that taking photos outdoors is more challenging as the light is more variable.
Nataly from Santa Monica, United States
Your flower images are very beautiful, Anita. You manage to show their delicacy and vulnerability.
19 May 2008 1:09am
@Nataly: Thank you so much, Natalie. That is exactly what I'm trying to do, and I'm glad it is coming through in the photos.
Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D
1/20 second
F/22.0
ISO 100
150 mm (35mm equiv.)