Anita's Photoblog
Three Tulips
Posted by Anita (West Nottingham, United States) on 7 May 2008 in Plant & Nature and Portfolio.
From my garden. Shot indoors with window light. My eyes have only recently been opened to the beauty of tulips.
I appreciate all the comments on my recent posts! Thank you so much!!
Constructive critique, as well a just friendly visits, are welcome.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING ANITA'S PHOTOBLOG!!
*****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.
Ron from Saint Louis, United States
Beautiful composition, Anita ... love that gentle curve. They're beautiful against that dark background and with the soft light (2 second exposure!! nice soft light!!) ... I also like the variety of tulip ... very nice all around!
7 May 2008 10:42am
Paul Michko from Exton, PA, United States
Beautifully composed against the black, Anita. Very rich looking. The gentle lighting looks wonderful, bringing out the subtle details.
7 May 2008 11:07am
Elspeth from St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Lovely! I have two questions:
(i) Are they naturally leaning toward the light (since flower grow toward light)?
(ii) How did you get the background black?
7 May 2008 12:48pm
@Elspeth: Thanks.
I put the cut tulips in a vase. These three seemed to go in the same direction, so I arranged them together for this photo. I positioned them pointing toward the window, about 2 feet away. I used white foam boards under them on the table, and to the left side to reflect light. The background is a piece of black felt fabric draped over a foam board leaning against a chair. Indirect light is coming in through the window. I learned this set up from another photographer, so I'm glad to pass it on to you. Enjoy!
Koushiro~光子郎 from Singapore, Singapore
Great Macro shot! The blacks really make the flower stand out! Well Done!
7 May 2008 12:59pm
António Pires from Lisbon, Portugal
The tulips are beautiful, but we should comment on the photo. So, I like the "portrait" of the flowers, but that is relatively common. What is not so common is the care you put into the composition, including the background. Your best photos are not simply macros. You are the portraitist of flowers.
7 May 2008 3:37pm
@António Pires: Thank you for your kind words, and for taking the time to give me a thoughtful comment. To be a portraist of flowers is high praise.
@Laurie: Thank you!
Elspeth from St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Thanks for the tip. I always use natural light but never really play around with the white boards, etc. I think I'll try it some time to add more depth.
7 May 2008 7:11pm
@Sergei Z: Thank you for visiting! I'm glad you like the photo.
david r. ross from Bryn Mawr, United States
Paul and Antonio (sorry, I don't know how to do the accent) speak my mind exactly. Charming.
7 May 2008 7:35pm
standley from brou-sur-chantereine, France
Beautiful composition and colours. They are nicely highlighted on this black background!
7 May 2008 10:17pm
Chris from United States
Superb composition - the three flowers and the lighting are just wonderful. That black background is something I should try - I usually don't have the patience to do a set up like this thought (just want to shoot and run).
As I replied in your comment on my post, you can add the extra box of text in Account/Settings (it is called Announcement).
8 May 2008 12:11am
GJC from Kyoto, Japan
Everyone has already said, but I agree that it's the care in the composition that makes this extra special. You saw the beauty in the gentle, seductive curve and then found a way to bring it out. Excellent. I always feel so refreshed after seeing your photos.
8 May 2008 4:20am
Betty from New Jersey, United States
Anita, an excellent shot! Wonderful composition and light... outstanding!
8 May 2008 9:55am
Marcie from United States
I love the black background. It makes the colors sing!!
Very elegant.
8 May 2008 2:41pm
Observing from Chester, United Kingdom
Very well photographed, and excellent colors.
8 May 2008 8:21pm
Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom
Beautiful tulips in a charming pose . . like they are taking a bow!
9 May 2008 12:01am
John Maslowski from Dallas, PA, United States
Beautiful tulips, lovely contrasting colors with the black background. Great composition.
9 May 2008 1:45am
Lionel GOUTAY from Montreuil sous bois, France
Très beau mouvement. Très belle composition.
9 Aug 2008 9:23am
Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D
8/5 seconds
F/22.0
ISO 100
150 mm (35mm equiv.)