Just one more to go

[Mike Buckley]

I provided a series of photos shown here beginning when this orchid had only two fully open blossoms. Now that there is only one blossom left to open and that this photo has a black background (most of the photos in that other thread have a white background) I decided to give this photo a thread of its own.

C&C encouraged as always, though I have nothing to ask.

[Bobobird]

Floating orchids, wow!

Joke aside this is an excellent/sexy image. Great clarity, light control etc. The top 3 even look as if they are yapping with you.

One niggle - I find that little brown protrusion at the bottom distracting. Seems to imply continuance but there is nothing if you catch my drift.

[Geoff F]

Yes, I think it would look more natural if there was a piece of stem going out of the frame.

Focus and exposure are excellent.

[Mike Buckley]

I agree with both of you about the end of the branch. One tiny bulb to be died and fell off. The other one on the very end is one that apparently will never get bigger, much less open.

I know nothing about plants, so I don't know if this digital manipulation works. Does that part of the plant still seem natural?

[Bobobird]

Certainly looks better but my gut says that plants/flowers need to be anchored either with a background ie a top down flower shot or the stem or petals for a side shot.

For example these 2. I was told that the first one works but the 2nd did not. Same flower, different crop.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...20330_1233.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B...330_1233-3.jpg

The explanation was that the OOF flower in the corner implied that the main subject was coming out of something, whereas the 2nd had no visible or implied support so was floating and not natural. I asked what about "artistic" expression. He told me to look at paintings and try to find one without anchoring of one sort or other.

Btw the "He" is one of a bunch of guys who let me hang around with them. They are long time 30-40 year amateur photographers who are regularly exhibited or published. So who am I to argue?

[Steve S]

I think it is a nice image, mike. There are 2 issues that need addressed to make it better.

First was mentioned by bobo, it looks like it's floating. I think if you crop the top and ground the first flower to the top edge of the frame, it will take away the floating look.

Second , the whites are too hot. A reverse S curve with the curves tool (too much bad contrast is not good with flowers), add some saturation(LAB) and Contrast (unsharp mask) to pick it back up , a little more blacks will help as well.

[Bobobird]

Interesting point there Steve. Grounding top edge never ever crossed my mind. Will experiment with that.

[Mike Buckley]

You folks are great!

Ironically, the one thing that all of you make me feel good about is that I envisioned a floating look. I didn't realize that people don't like it. Yikes! In fact, I had remembered that both Chinese art and Georgia O'Keefe paintings used a floating look. So, I looked stuff up and, though I didn't spend a lot of time at it, I couldn't find a single example.

I grounded the version shown below by cropping the top part. I also applied a reverse S curve as Steve suggested but only to the whites. Doing that (I think) eliminated the need to make the other adjustments that he mentioned. I really like the way Steve post-processes his own images, so I look forward to his reaction to this version.

[Mike Buckley]

As I continue to think about everyone's comments and continue to review the details of the image, I'm more and more convinced that whatever failings it has has to do with me being out of my knowledge zone; I don't photograph flowers or view others' photos of flowers regularly, so I don't know what I like and what I don't like to the same degree as other types of photos that I make.

[Steve S]

Looks better mike, but you can still get alot more detail in the flowers...............................

[JPS]

Guy's,
I've been quietly following this thread, quietly because I'm not skilled enough to advise. I just wanted to say I love the way the picture has progressed. Another good example of members working together for the good of us all.
Well done and may I say "A very nice picture"
Cheers
John

[jprzybyla]

Maybe it is just me but I like the floating orchids for a composition in Mike's original and the clarity and detail Steve's edit. I grow orchids and have tried showing the blossom/blossoms without a stem in a composition, it never worked as well as Mike's grouping.

[Bobobird]

Edits are much better. Whatever the layout it ultimately boils down to balance.

Joe, like our birds, a great orchid shot needs a co-operative plant. Mike is very lucky to get the flowers all in one row.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Steve! I see now where you are going. I think with continued practice I can eventually get it.

[Mike Buckley]

members working together for the good of us all.

No doubt about it! We should never take it for granted. Thanks again to everyone!

[Ross]

I was in amazing sense is how can you have beautiful background like that. It is very nice Shot. Thank for sharing.
Ross

[Mike Buckley]

The background is the easiest part, Ross. It's very high quality black felt.

[NorthernFocus]

My suggestions have already been addressed. The last version posted is a great improvement IMO. The black BG is awesome. Well done.

[Stagecoach]

Mike,

Now that's evolved to a 'stunner'. You have managed to get the texture in the petals without them looking too hard and retain some pop ! Not easy with orchids.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks for the nod, Dan and Grahame. Steve and the others helped make it happen.