Red Dahlia in Vase

Posted by Anita (West Nottingham, Pennsylvania, United States) on 4 November 2009 in Plant & Nature.

I appreciate criticism of my work, especially if it is constructive. It is one way to grow as a photographer.

This is one of the last red Dahlias from my garden. In real life, it is actually a bit darker. I added one of my textures.

Nikon D300 3 seconds F/18.0 ISO 100 105 mm

*****THANK YOU FOR VISITING ANITA'S PHOTOBLOG!*****

I have been INTERVIEWED three t imes by photo-buddies:
Artist Connection .
PHOTOGENERALIST
DAILY PRACTICE

SPOTLIGHT:
- Moon Setting Over Amish Farm
- Himalayan Blue Poppy Bud

vfxy Photoblogs | Listed on Photoblogs.org

Comments (16)

Yvonne Simons from Tilburg, Netherlands

Love it!! beautiful!!

4 Nov 2009 6:20am

Dulcie from Danville, CA, United States

A dreamy image, especially nice with the fallen petals. The texture is perfect !!!

4 Nov 2009 6:57am

Tomas Turecek from Czech Republic

Just yesterday I walked through your portfolio and was again in awe when looking on images of flowers in vase similar to this.
Regarding this photo, I really like the mood, composition, colours and lightning but I have mixed feelings about the theme. I feel that there is a strong contrast between the fresh dahlia in the vase which is like a symbol of life and then those torn petals, slowly dying by the feet of the vase like a symbol of death. It disturbs me, this strong contrast. I would rather see it without those torn petals. But maybe it's only me where's the problem and not you photo. Maybe you could mention if there was some deeper idea behind the image?
And by the way, I posted a red dahlia photo today as well, nice coincidence :)

4 Nov 2009 9:39am

@Tomas Turecek: Tomas: Thanks so much for your comments and visit! I'm always interested in people's reactions to my images. I see what you mean about the conflicting messages in the image. There was no deep idea behind the petals. One of the Dahlias lost some of its petals and they fell around the vase in this manner. I loved the look and recreated it with another Dahlia. You have given me something to think about.

Sue from Paducah, United States

I don't think my reaction went quite as deep as Tomas', but I did briefly wonder "why" the fallen petals with such a fresh Dalia. I love the subtle golden tone of the texture highlighting the blossom.

4 Nov 2009 11:05am

@Sue: I really appreciate your thoughtful comment as it helps me think more about what I'm doing and why. Sometimes I do things just because they look nice, and fail to see how it might not work. Please keep your thoughts coming my way.

Betty from Phillipsburg, United States

Again, really beautiful processing. The pink is so soothing.

4 Nov 2009 11:06am

MJ from Delaware, United States

I love your composition... I love the reflection of the petals through the vase...I personally think it show the way of nature and life...... life and death beautiful colors

4 Nov 2009 12:37pm

Mary from Exton, United States

Anita, I really like your artistic vision with this image.

4 Nov 2009 1:28pm

Barbara Kile from Ft. Worth, United States

Lovely presentation Anita! Love the colors.

4 Nov 2009 3:01pm

Frida from Sweden

This is one of my favorites of your. Beautiful presentation Anita.

4 Nov 2009 6:34pm

Carsten from Copenhagen, Denmark

Your post processing is perfect. And your idea and composition is outstanding.

4 Nov 2009 10:01pm

Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States

Lovely composition, and the texture works well!!!

4 Nov 2009 11:30pm

Paul Michko from Exton, PA, United States

Very elegant, Anita.

5 Nov 2009 10:10am

Ed Vatza from Lehigh Valley, PA, United States

Excellent image, Anita. I must say that your well thought out compositions are just superb.

5 Nov 2009 11:47am

Marilla from Turku, Finland

I think the lovely red dahlia needs some contrast to the background - now it loses its power because everything is red around it. I'd like to see it against white or black.

On the other hand, if you'd do like I suggest it wouldn't be your piece of art!

5 Nov 2009 5:18pm

@Marilla: I always welcome suggestions. You aren't the only photographer to say they would prefer more color contrast.

Magda from Vancouver, Canada

beautiful composition and tones

9 Nov 2009 7:45am

GJC from Kyoto (京都), Japan

Powerful composition.

15 Nov 2009 6:05am