Blue Clematis

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

BlueClematis.jpg
BlueClematis.jpg2000×1334 1.01 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

After returning from some errands, the sky clouded up with diffused, bright light so I went downstairs to get my rig for the nest clematis shoot. No sooner than my camera was set up, the wind and bright sun returned. I no longer cuss, nor do I fret, I just shoot the darned flower and hope for the best. Unlike my previous version, I used the Nikon CLS which provides the best illumination using multiple flashes. For this flower, I used 3 flashes at different power settings and let the onboard computer do all the dirty work.

Specific Feedback

I think that this one shows some improvements over my previous clematis post. What do you think about the shadows?

Technical Details

Z9 105mm f2.8 (1/40 sec at f20, ISO=200; Main flash at -1.0ev, B flash at -2.0ev, C flash at -3.0ev) Levels, Topaz Denoise, Crop for Comp, Burn tool to darken edges and non-petal BG…Jim

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2

I really like this Jim, It’s nice you kept the shadows where the petals are overlapping and the detail and color are nice.

3

A lot more definition and depth in this one, Jim. I could see getting your primary flash at a bit more of an angle to the flower, but this still has plenty of character. I feel for you and the wind. It was beautifully calm and overcast while my wife and I sat on the patio watching the birds this morning while enjoying after breakfast “Coffee and Cocoa”. As soon as I went out to take flower pictures the wind started to pick up a bit. They’re downloading as I write this, so we’ll see how the stacks came out.

4

Jim: I like the original but this is better. As I sit in my breakfast nook looking out onto our patio I can see a number of these little beauties but unfortunately they are past prime. The good news is the plant is still flowering so when some new buds bloom I’ll have your image as a measuring stick. Top notch work. >=))>