The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
This is a split rock cactus/succulent. The flower is about the size of a quarter or half dollar. It takes several weeks for the bud to form and then it stays somewhat dormant until one day it will pop open. It will stay open as long as the sun is hitting it and then closes in the evening. It may or may not open the next day depending on how much sun it gets. This was from the second day it opened. Over the past week or so it has opened four times. It still seems active and there is another small bud underneath that will probably take until late April to bloom. >=))>
Specific Feedback
Getting more comfortable with the new 100mm macro. Positioning is still an issue. When I put the 2x on it I can get even more magnification than I used to get with the 200mm macro but I do sorely miss a tripod collar. Even with a ball head getting the orientation right is a challenge. So it goes, it’s proving to be as good as advertised and fun to work with.
Technical Details
#1 Sony A7rIII
Sony 100mm f2.8 GM Macro
ISO 400, 1/6 @ f22
#2 2 image blend in Helicon Focus
ISO 400, 1/50 @ f11
Bill, great to get a new macro (or any) lens! The second blended image I love, especially the contrasts between bloom and (slightly weird) succulent bit and with the brown BG. The upper shot I’m finding a bit blurry, and I’m just wondering was the shutter speed too slow there; or was the orientation a bit difficult as you suggest? Maybe the latter, caused by the angle you chose. I’m curious if anyone else feels the same about this. Anyway, what a gorgeous plant!
Mike: The tight shot was at about 1.2x and I wanted sharpness in the center. The softness in the petals near the center is probably a DOF issue. I probably should have stacked this but I was in one of my slothful modes and was satisfied with the single capture. >=))>
What a wild plant, Bill. The “rocks” are incredibly realistic, even to the lichen spots (are they really lichen or just imitation that the plant puts out)? When I first saw this, I was thinking “what a cool flower pot”.
The flower is incredible and knowing the close-up is a single shot explains the slight softness in the petals. Both images are excellent in my opinion.
Bill, i like that 2nd image a lot - in particular the texture of the rock as it makes the bloom seem more soft and supple. I too use the 100 macro lens and deal with it on a tripod by using a geared head, hence i can make minute adjustments very easily. Well done and thanks.
Hi Bill, I like both images a lot. The DOF in the first image keeps my focus on the stamens with the surrounding petals providing a nice backdrop. The stark surroundings in the second image set off the flower very well. Nicely done.
Bill, I love both shots. I’m a single shot shooter, so the touch of softness in the first image is fine with me. All attention is drawn to the center of the flower. Both are nice.
The photo of the whole plant is so intriguing - living where I’ve always lived, that is way up north, I’ve never seen these so it’s really special. The colors and shapes are so different to anything I know. The flower itself reminds me of knapweed, but in yellow and oh so low to the ground.
Am contemplating a second macro lens myself - a 100mm from OM Systems. I’ll probably rent it before pulling the trigger, but it will be sort of the same field of view you have with your old lens.
@Kris_Smith - I’ve long been tempted to buy the OM 90mm f2.8 macro lens for really large magnification - worth looking at, if it’s compatible with your gear.
I have one of those. It’s probably 40 years old and I used it so much the aperture ring froze. I got it fixed but it will eventually be unrepairable. It’s a sweet lens though for all manual work.
