I tend to go on photographic binges! I become enamored with a subject or style and focus on it for as long as it holds my interest.. So here are five photographs of spring flowers and one dried hydrangea that I’ve had fun processing in a high-key style. I submitted another image, two tulips, earlier.
These were all shot on a light pad (a great tool for cold-weather shooting!), using my Canon R5 and a 105 Macro lens. They were processed in Photoshop.
Self Critique
I enjoyed arranging the flowers. I always try for as much “gesture” as possible. I think that the first four images work well in this respect. The last two feel iffy. I enjoy processing to bring out as much texture and tonal variation as possible, so the shapes are emphasized in an interesting way. A texture is applied to the overall image so the background isn’t stark white. The texture is removed from the subjects.
Creative Direction
I’ll most likely continue to capture flowers in this manner, interspersed with my usual high contrast work. I love that black-and-white photography offers so many ways to process. These interpretations feel peaceful to me.
Specific Feedback
I’d love feedback that touches on all of the considerations above: Aesthetic, conceptual, emotional, and technical. Have at it!! (Thanks)
Intent of the project
Gallery Exhibition
Additional Details: I’ve mainly enjoyed the process. I do have a show coming up in August and will most likely include some of these. They’ll also go on my website.
These are wonderful!! They are lighted so well – I didn’t know that could be done so nicely on a light pad.
They (each and in combination) register a 10 for me on all your considerations – aesthetic, conceptual, emotional and technical. The lighting and high key feel so right, and they all have such graceful movement. Only one question – #4 is labeled Violets but aren’t they Iris?
Diane, thanks so much for your very positive feedback. Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m just enamoured with my own work and can’t see it clearly, or do. I guess we all experience that, thus critiques! And you’re right: I’m not sure why I labelled #4 as “Violets”! They are, indeed, irises!
I love these, Susannah. I think they are all wonderful, and the process you used and the effect you achieved is very successful.
A couple of questions:
What makes the last two feel iffy to you? Is the second anemone part of the issue? Do you want just one of each flower variety?
I love the mother/child title and the dancer, and then the other images are given more specimen kind of names. I wonder if that could be consistent one way or the other? I think it’s hard to come up with a name for some, but here’s the real question: Is that your job or the viewers? How many of us thought mother and child anyway? I did.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of these when the weather is bad (who knew I would wish for bad weather).
ML
Susanna: Simply marvelous and I get where you’re coming from regarding binges. I love it when folks work a subject or a genre like this. It takes a lot of thought and careful observation and conception. You’ve prompted me to get out my old light table (if I can find it!) and play around. Most excellent and effort well spent. >=))>
Hi Susanna, great work! I love them together as a set. The light pad idea is great. I used to use a light table in school, so that would be something I’d love to explore as well. The high key look is consistent across the set.
@Bill_Fach, @Don_Peters, @Marylynne_Diggs, @lynsie, thanks for your feedback! I appreciate it. I am continuing to work in this style, so will post more eventually. Happy Spring!
Very nice series Susanna. My favorites were the first and last one (anemone ii). Have you considered a radial tonal gradient filter around some of the flower heads. I’m thinking of the last image.
Thanks, Karen! I suggest an A2 size light pad. It’s 2x3 ft, or so. It’s a good size so you can have long stems and room on the margins. I bought mine on Amazon. Have fun!
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