grey and blue

Critiques [Translate]

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• cunejo200 (17723)
• [2009-07-01 8:16]
• [+]

Hello Bryan,
I believe this is the blossom of a clematis. I do have this same blue variety climbing on my mailbox, and I always look forward to spring during its peak blooming period. The central composition works as the flower's intricate symmetry is emphasized. Although I have not posted much clematis pics, I am familiar that even with the most tempered color adjustment, the result of my processing makes it look like it's overly pp'ed. Interesting, vivid, and complementary layer you made for the b/g, it looks like a coral reef. Keep on experimenting my friend, and you have just given me an idea as to what I can possibly post next. Best regards...
Danilo

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• willie (3101)
• [2009-07-01 11:03]
• [+]

Hi,

In the gallery this one looks better then now. A pity the sharpness is not good. Also the bg is too busy for my taste. But it's an experiment and we have to practice and give eachother our honest opinions......

kindest regards, willie

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• bri (2477)
• [2009-07-01 12:00]
• [+]

Hi Bryan,
For an experiment it is good but not to my taste, I am put off by the sharp edge around the bloom and the un-natural bg, but that is only my taste others may like it and know how to improve on this style. Great experiment. TFS
Bri

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• hifimusicdai (5595)
• [2009-07-01 14:12]
• [+]

The thumbnail looked impressive Bryan so IMHO I was a little disappointed when I opened it up. It is a beautiful flower and I think it would look great if it was sharp and against a simple black bg. Sorry
warm regards
David

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• papajoehermit (1527)
• [2009-07-01 19:41]
• [+]

Bry, this is a type of Clematis. One thing I would suggest when shooting close ups or macros of anything, especially flowers, if you are allowed the time, is to NOT let your camera decide your focal point. I never shoot less than six or seven shots of flowers since they tend to hold their pose for you, unlike insects, animals or fish. First, click off your first shot on fully automatic. Then switch to manual focus, using the pre-determined exposures, and focus on several different points of the flower; outside, inside petals, heavy focus on the most center point, and then an overall focus with the highest f/stop you can use to get the best sharpness of everything in your frame. In that regard notice the very sharp focus you have created on the outer petals, but very soft focus on the inside. Even try bracketing your exposures for f/stops if you have that capability on your digital camera. In other words, don't stop at just one or two exposures. Shoot ten if necessary at different focal points. One of them will be your "best shot."

Regards, your Yankee buddy, JoeGoff, Louisville, KY

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• chrisJ (42646)
• [2009-07-02 4:29]

Hi bryan

Good colour contrasts between the yellow core of the flower, & the blue petals. Wonderful use of a shallow dof. Tfs!

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• Clanyi (1832)
• [2009-07-03 12:24]

Hy Bryan! I like this experiment! Great sharpnes and interesting coloreffects. Best regards. Csabi

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• Frans65 (158)
• [2009-07-04 14:08]

Hi Bryan,

very nice colours! its an artwork!
TFS
Frans

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• eldancer1 (240)
• [2009-08-27 14:00]

Beautiful macro, I love the colors!