By now we all know I like moody. I haven't done flowers in black and white though. It also occurs to me that I don't see a lot of black and white flowers at all. I was wondering what you all think?
By now we all know I like moody. I haven't done flowers in black and white though. It also occurs to me that I don't see a lot of black and white flowers at all. I was wondering what you all think?
Similar to other genres, B/W flower images usually focus my attention on the details. Your shots were lit in a way that really bring out the intricacies in the petals / stems. My favorite is the middle image, however, they work well together in a series.
I agree with Robert on the middle image - it shows a beautiful soft transition between tones with shadow detail that displays the flower at its best DOF, conversion and lighting are spot on for me.
The lighting on the first and third are a bit harsh for my (delicate) taste
You delicate petal, Alan! We'll be gentle. ;-) Glad you don't have (dare I say it?) stereotypical US preference for "more is never enough". I share your inclinations, if not your diplomacy.
Hey Chris, I'm originally from England (sorry!) so may not be as delicate as the picture we're painting here...
As for diplomacy, I try not to hurt the feelings of others but feel that honest, sincere feedback is needed if we are to learn. I certainly prefer blunt feedback as long it is sincere and well-meaning.
Form this group (and others) I am definitely swaying toward 'less-is-more' and enjoying images that are produced with a lighter hand
yup the middle has the best crop and overall appeal but all good shots ...maybe just even out the top to be same distance as the sides
I have to go with the third image. The way the petals twist and flow out of the frame (breaks the rules?) and the way the shadows and highlights play against each other add a little dynamic element to a static subject. There's just the right amount of softness and detail to draw me in.
Lighting in lower right is a bit flat. Have the model hold a small reflector under its petals; that should help. B-)
Awesome! I love this one too. Thanks for the feedback too. I appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks all for the feedback! As always, group brain makes great things. I have some ideas for direction.
Cheers!
It's all good feedback! I don't even know if I like these. Flowers may be the one subject that I don't think translates to black and white. Sometimes - sure. But not as much as almost any other subject!
I think your middle picture is superb in B&W. The lack of color removes that distraction and really highlights the subtle changes in both texture and tone.
Unless color is really supporting a composition, I think B&W can be an attractive (or better) option, and well suited to the form and texture of flowers.
thanks Alan!
These are all good, Ruth! I agree with the others about the middle one being best. The first is strong - maybe a little too much so for a delicate bloom? In it, the stem is lost a bit in the composition, being so dark. Softer lighting might work well, as Alan suggests, even the much-maligned soft-focus effect, judiciously applied. Also, perhaps a lower-key, lower-contrast tonality? You could try all that in an edit of the first image. Even the second image might work better for me if the background were not inky black. I've tried some edits, but can't really convey what I mean here very well.
To my eye, the composition in the last doesn't quite cut it, again perhaps partly because the high contrast creates a disorienting effect. But fo - tik likes it! So there.
See Kenro Izu's floral (and other) work if you haven't already. You might like it.
As always my friend - thanks for the time and thoughts!
:)
I love the last one Ruth...its just the close up which gives it life... and very clean ...in tems of how well the picture turned out.....
I'm also going with the second. I like the way the translucency shows the veins (?) as well as the shadows of the petals closer to the light source. Also just the right amount of depth of field.
I think the only way it could be better is if the flower parts on the inside were seen in proxy through a shadow across the petals in the foreground (but I don't know if this flower even has the parts to make that happen).
(World class if that shadow happens to also include a bee.)
Oh ya - a bee and'or inside 'parts' would be great. I will keep that in mind and lower the angle of the light. Good thoughts Phillip!
PS - I don't know if my family would be OK with bees in the house but it is all about the work right?! hee hee
"Ouch! It's in the name of ... OUCH! ... art."
You make me laugh Phillip!