Anita's Photoblog
Narcissus
Posted by Anita (West Nottingham, United States) on 29 December 2008 in Plant & Nature.
Taken at Longwood Gardens Conservatory, Pennsylvania, USA, yesterday. These flowers were part of their holiday display. I used a wide open aperture to blur the background leaves, while trying to focus on the yellow stamen of the top flower. Slight crop on the left. Tripod, natural light.
Are the green stems on the left side distracting?
*****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.
Chris Parr from Jefferson City, United States
Very nice shot. I don't find the stems distracting at all, I think they offset the tan background in the upper part nicely. I think maybe your crop on the left side is a little close (just my opinion), but I like the way you framed it.
29 Dec 2008 5:30am
@Chris Parr: Thanks for your input. I did crop tightly on the left, largely to minimize the amount of green stems. The original had more space on the left side of the image.
john4jack from Corvallis, United States
Gorgeous photograph. It's very much like a painting.
29 Dec 2008 5:46am
Lilith from Brunn am Gebirge, Austria
A very harmonious shot!! I totally love the colors!!
29 Dec 2008 4:11pm
@Lilith: Thank you for visiting and for your kind comment.
Chris from South Jersey, United States
the green stems on the left are OK with me - they fade into the background enought that they are not distracting. I agree with the other Chris - the crop is a bit tight....but it is still a wonderful shot - those whites are stunning....
29 Dec 2008 4:46pm
Don Wiley from spokane, United States
I like the light, airy feel of this blossom shot. Your procedure seems right on to me. You've produced a
fine image as a result.
29 Dec 2008 6:09pm
Kerri from Blacksburg, United States
Oh this is beautiful Anita! I LIKE the green stems....not distracting at all to me :)
29 Dec 2008 6:34pm
ordinaryimages from Kentucky Bluegrass, United States
Only you know your vision, but I would darken the green area etc. [ACR > Tone Curve > Darks] rather than crop. best...jerry
30 Dec 2008 8:51pm
@ordinaryimages: Thank you for your suggestion. I do need to ask you about the instructions. What is ACR? I use Photoshop 7. I don't know that it has Tone Curve.
John Maslowski from Dallas, PA, United States
Love the pureness of these white flowers and the contrasting yellow stamen is perfect. The slight green on the left is barely noticeable and really has little or no effect. A beautiful composition Anita. Hope you and your family have a Happy New Year.
31 Dec 2008 3:21am
GJC from Kyoto, Japan
Lovely. As to the stems . . . I can't decide. When I put my finger over that green it looks better to me -- as if it's "complete." But then when I see it as you took it, well, it looks fine, too. In other words, I'm no help, but I do enjoy the photo.
31 Dec 2008 11:01am
Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom
You have me deeply considering that patch of green by what you ask but I prefer to see it there . . it adds a reality. Love the airiness of this shot . . it is so unconfined and joyful.
All the Best for 2009, Anita.
31 Dec 2008 6:38pm
Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D
1/250 second
F/2.8
ISO 400
150 mm (35mm equiv.)