In the midst of one of my semi-annual “everything-I-do-is-crap” stages, I decided, for a change of pace, to go around that rabbit hole instead of into it. I set two constraints for myself. The first was to only use my Fuji 16mm prime lens. And the second was to only shoot what I could on the second floor of our house. I took close to a thousand frames over a couple of weeks but what drew my attention when I finally got around to downloading, were images of the orchids that sit on a couple of window sills on the second floor. I’ve never had the slightest interest in shooting flowers and my first attempts were just good enough to give me some ideas. So I went back and shot some more. And went back and shot some more. This is one of a series of five that I came up with in that original go round. Since then my friend has loaned me his 16mm extension tube and I’ve been crawling around the garden really getting into macro photography. That all being said, my strategy of constraints definitely worked – I’m excited again. These orchids were sitting on a window sill and this image was shot using the natural back light coming through the window. I then went high key using some pretty rudimentary photoshop techniques. I would be interested in any feedback on this image that would help me going forward with this sort of thing.
Fujifilm Xt-2, Fujinon 16mm f/1.4, ISO 200, f/8, 1/10 sec.
I really like the composition you created in this image, Kerry. I also like the three dimensional feel you managed to capture, which can be difficult in a back lit image. My only nit is that both of the upper petals seem to have a slight washed out look that doesn’t fit with the rest of the very vibrant colors. I’m not sure what technique to use to make them pop more, but I think I’d try playing with them.
A fine image.
Thank you kindly, Dennis. I’ll play with mid tone contrast maybe even try painting in a little of that new fangled Lightroom “texture” and see if I can balance things a bit more.
Kerry: For not being a flower guy you did really well here 
. I really like the color that you got with the backlighting and the high key BG. My only compositional question is with regard to the bud in the LRC. I’m vacillating between wanting to see it all or none of it or leave it just as it is. No matter what this is a finely crafted image and thanks for sharing your thought processes and how you boosted your motivation. Keep 'em coming.>=))>
Very nicely captured. Graceful curve to the stem and beautiful color to the flowers. I do wish that the buds, at at least one, were included. Small nit and just personal taste.
Kerry, the ground’s been covered and there’s no need my repeating it. I will say a little more room all the way around would be good, and next time around, include all the buds.
A fine image, well thought out.