Your thoughts on this image. I took this image a few nights ago using my 70-200 f4 at f32 using a raynox add on macro lens and lit with strobes. I was going to try and enter it into the telephoto contest, but alas i was too late :-((..... Anyway, Your thoughts on this image will e much appreciated
Here's my thoughts:
I like the composition, framing and lighting but the subject gets lost a little on the background. Shooting into a flower you don't have much control of that sometimes. I downloaded your photo and masked the style and stigma, which are the subject, in Photoshop. I added a little contrast, sharpening and boosted the color slightly. I then inverted the mask and dimmed the background. I also blurred it some, reduced contrast and reduced the color slightly. This mellows it out a bit and lets the subject stand out. I hope you like. Just my take on it. Not saying it's the best. Others may think differently.
Another thing to keep in mind using very small apertures is diffraction limiting. That can have a negative effect on sharpness. Google diffraction limiting for more info.
Ok so I think the composition is good but like Patrick said the subject is somewhat lost in the background. My general rule is to create some contrast between the subject and the background.
Patrick has done a great job of separating the background from the subject however I find the background a little too dark. So I altered the colors slightly bringing in more green in the background and added some contrast. I then altered the stamen's colors to bring in more red and magenta.
I watermarked my edits with the words "not original" to avoid any confusion.
I like your warm colors better than mine!! Very nice!!
Thanks guys for the comments. Its amazing the differences in PP that is seen here....
I understand the points made and appreciate them, I personally prefer Owen's edit though it seems more natural.
What about the one I attached to this message here??
I like Owen's better too. ;-) He boosted the color more than I did and it's a little warmer. That being said This shot is better than your first one subject isolation wise but I think it needs more color saturation. I think Owen would agree too. Also, since it's leaning a little to the right try placing it to the left. Sometimes I will take several photos in various positions to I can decide later. Depending on the subject and how much cropping I can or want to do later.