Here is one of my dark flower shots and the original. I underexposed the original a little so that, when I played with the contrast/exposure, I didn't lose anything in the whites. Hope it worked!
This is a very tiny, delicate white wildflower in bloom all over the woods right now. The entire plant is just a few inches tall. They are often noticed when a white flower catches a little light that reaches the forest floor. I am hoping to create an antique still life feeling with these dark, somewhat moody flower portraits.
Another fine image, Ruth. Even taking into account your dark intentions (!) I do wonder if you haven't been over-cautious about the highlights and risked compromise in the shadows with your initial exposure, although in this case it is academic in the end. I can increase brightness by 2 stops in your original without maxing out. Admittedly, the "blinkies" in my own cameras are not foolproof when I'm out shooting. If it's important, you can bracket. I do it a lot. Having said that, the final result is beautifully toned, as I think you'd intended.
Agreed. I do need to start bracketing. Up - I better go out shooting.
I believe the 'blinkies' are generated from a jpeg rendition of the image so should be used solely as a guideline. I tend to allow minor blinks but drop the exposure (bracket if losing blacks) if more than that.
The image is a great transformation from where you started and a wonderful composition. My only concern would be if you wanted to blow this up as you have cropped so much.
True! It's just going to have to be for us and smaller print. ;)
nice job Ruth I'm actually heading down to longwood with my mom tomorrow to hang out for mothers day definitely going to try and get some stuff like this
Longwood is magical! Enjoy!!
hopefully the rains stay away