Echinops

solent · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 10:31 AM

Hi,
I've only had the 40D a week and this is my first real attempt at a still life.

The picture was taken on the kitchen worktop with the window behind and a piece of white card either side of the camera to reflect some light on the seed head. I experimented with various colours of card behind and this is the one I liked best. I then tried various settings of exposure compensation and aperture to get the image how I liked it (+2/3EV and f22).

Any comments welcome.

Mike

PhotosbyChuck · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 10:37 AM

Cool shot -- looks like fireworks in the day time!

RSStory · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 10:44 AM

I think there is too much dead space around it. I would probably go with a square crop for this one.

Scott

r_fredrick_smith · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 10:50 AM

As mentioned a different crop might help. I also think the contrast may be a little off. Here is one way to crop (not necessarily the best) and I adjusted the tonal contrast for a bit of pop.

Cheers,
rfs

RSStory · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_fredrick_smith

As mentioned a different crop might help. I also think the contrast may be a little off. Here is one way to crop (not necessarily the best) and I adjusted the tonal contrast for a bit of pop.

Cheers,
rfs

Definately like this version better...

PhotosbyChuck · #6 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 11:17 AM

Actually the cropped version bugs me a bit since there's no reason for the flower to be off to the side. I prefer the symmetry of the original, but I think Scott is right. It would look better with a square crop. It actually might look best (to me) as a portrait crop.

The contrast is definitely better in the RFS edit, tho.

Electricseashell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 12:43 PM

How could he adjust the contrast in the original image? Great test of equipment I think, thanks for sharing it this way it gives me a few ideas.

PhotosbyChuck · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 02:14 PM

Not sure what you're asking there, ESS...just about any photo editing program allows for a contrast adjustment.

Electricseashell · #9 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

The picture was taken on the kitchen worktop with the window behind and a piece of white card either side of the camera to reflect some light on the seed head. I experimented with various colours of card behind and this is the one I liked best. I then tried various settings of exposure compensation and aperture to get the image how I liked it (+2/3EV and f22).

Quote:

How could he adjust the contrast in the original image?

I'm asking if change of color of paper or blocking of the sun or some other change would affect the contrast. Rather than in edit.

PhotosbyChuck · #10 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electricseashell

I'm asking if change of color of paper or blocking of the sun or some other change would affect the contrast. Rather than in edit.

Ah, gotcha! I'm slow I guess, heh.

For such a small thing and working with natural light it would be difficult to to create the right contrast. More direct light (a mirror) would create more latitude in the image than the cards, but it also would likely introduce more shadows. The idea though would be to increase the ratio of light falling on the tips of the ball versus the core. Here's a very cool shot of the same type of flower on Wiki that uses sunlight: Image:Kugeldistel 20050705 554.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia