|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
I do have these types of images as well. Here is one such example. There just is not enough time or space ... |
Aug 26th |
 |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
In macro-photography one of the issues we have to deal with in the idea of depth of field, or getting the entire subject in focus. As we magnify an image (and seldom do we calculate the 'magnification factor'), we tend to reduce the apparent depth of field. In images whose real size is less than our camera sensor (i.e. around the size of a postage stamp), this can be problematic, as even with the smallest aperture (highest f-stop values) we often fail to get the entire subject in focus. This is where the technique of focus-stacking comes in. Here we take several images (5-100) at slightly different focus points (called focus slices), and later combine them together keeping the sharp areas of each image. This is similar to HDR where we are addressing sharpness rather than exposure. This is the technique being employed here. One way to obtain such slices is to mount your camera on a focus rail, and to slowly move the camera to change the focus point. This is the rail being referred to here. For a more detailed discussion on the technique of focus stacking, please refer to my article on the PXL website (https://photopxl.com/focus-stacking-and-its-application-within-macro-photography). |
Aug 24th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
Good point. There are no absolutes here. |
Aug 13th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
As presented, this is quite a clear and cleanly presented image of these critters. I feel that the subjects are a bit over centered in the image. If this were my image, I would have cropped in from the left. This makes the image appear a bit less "in your face" and emphasizes an interesting line that the moths form in the image (see suggested crop). Your title and descriptions are somewhat spare. Did you realize that there were two moths in the image, perhaps involved in mating behavior? Your title gives no indication that this was the case. Where in Ajman was this. Did you go out looking for bugs to shoot? |
Aug 8th |
 |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
What a fun image. The cropping of the images making the larger bloom more of a background element is very effective here. Great detail, color and exposure. I appreciate the thought that went behind this image and your selection of an appropriate backdrop. I agree with the earlier comments by Barbara and Murphy. This image demonstrates that it does not always require a complex set-up to get an effective image. Your edge treatment here works as well, giving the mage a "postcard" type of feel, which fits the staged nature of the presentation. Nice Job! |
Aug 7th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
Such a simple, clear and elegant image. I am enjoying the subject, their separation from the background, the colors, the clarity and the effective composition. One additional aspect that is done so well done here is the use of open space around the subject. The use of the grass to create a natural 'texture' was also well considered. I don't know if I would change a thing. I am looking forward to seeing more example like this. Nice Job! |
Aug 7th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I too am enjoying this image. I agree with the thoughts expressed by Barbara. Tack sharp with great color and exposure. Your modifications to improve the composition were well considered. The addition of the black background to remove distracting elements also is quite effective. I do find that the middle bloom (in the very center of the image) gets a bit lost with the background pink blooms. If this were my image, I would be tempted to darken the pink blooms in the background to improve the separation of the main blooms from these background elements. The use of the pinstripe border to separate the image from the presentation medium was a nice touch. Here I might have tried to use a more muted color from within the image (say a pink or green tone), rather than the white. However, with that being said, the use of the white bordering element does mirror what is seen on the pink blooms, so this fits as well. Nice Job! |
Aug 7th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I am really appreciating your use of this magnified scene and selected clarity to tell this story. Well done. I love the fact that the fingers of the child are less than perfect, with dirt and chipped nails. Very appropriate for the subject. I meant to ask you, did you actually use ISO 10,000 or was this a type and you used ISO 1,000? Either way, the end result is quite effective. |
Aug 7th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
What a clear and interesting image (although it is a bit creepy as well). I agree with the early comments offered by Murphy. Although this image really highlights the complex structure of the leaf, the interaction of the critters among themselves and with the leaf is the real story. The detail, composition and clarity of the presentation really allows this story to surface. An effort to be proud of. Nice Job ! |
Aug 7th |
| 63 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
Shooting magnified images do take more light. I think this is due to the fact that the area being captured is smaller (thus the magnification) so less light is reflected back to the lens/sensor. One of advantages of using a tripod is that this is less of an issue though since one can apply longer exposures. I have been known to create focus slices using 2 sec exposures or longer. |
Aug 7th |
6 comments - 4 replies for Group 63
|
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
Those "little weedy flower-things" do tend to sneak up upon you ... |
Aug 29th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I too am enjoying this image. The bloom is as sharp as it need to be displaying most of the bloom's interesting detail, and the soft colors are wonderful. I do agree with the earlier comments regarding the blending of the bloom into the background, the centered nature of the boom (of lack thereof), and it being cropped a bit too tight. Also, the bloom does appear to be "floating" in the background without any connection to the environment. Including (or adding) a stem or some leaves often aids in this regard. |
Aug 29th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
I went back and found that I did not keep the focus slice images after I completed the stacking of this image. This is often the case, as each stacked image may be the result of collecting 30-100 individual files (Jpegs, CR2 RAW and sidecar files). Also, I often don't have an unstacked "single shot" example of the image I am shooting, especially when I am employing the stacking process. When I have them, I will try to include a few pre-stacked examples in future stacked presentations. |
Aug 24th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
Thank you for the plant identification. As a scientist (I am a retired Biochemist) you would think that I would want to be more precise in my identification, but alias, I have little interest in this aspect of image generation and am often satisfied with "Yellow Bloom" as an identification. Not so much with images submitted to nature image competitions, but generally I tend to use more descriptive titles and worry less about precise identification. Go figure … |
Aug 24th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
Focus stacking can be looked at as being tedious, but it's not any more difficult than other "advanced" photographic skills. Software does a large amount of the heavy lifting, but it's not a quick "point and shoot" technique. If you are processing hundreds of images a day, it's not the tool of choice, but if you like to spend time crafting an image it's a valuable tool to own. It is not uncommon for myself to use this, especially when I am shooting small subjects, and where the detail is part of the "wow factor". |
Aug 24th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I really am enjoying the 'story" associated with this image. Here the story is about the spider and his drop, and the flower petal is a backdrop to the story. As a background element the iris petal is perfect, with natural lines leading to the main subject. The color and clarity are appropriate here as well. The spider is clear, sharp and appropriately sized to carry the role of the main subject. Interesting query regarding the drop. I have no idea. Nice Job … |
Aug 7th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I love how you have taken this natural element and nearly converted it into a fascinating abstract form. I say "nearly" in that we still can appreciate what the subject is and still enjoy the abstract qualities. Your selective lighting here is quite effective in lighting the midground elements while allowing the foreground and background element to darken. There is a lot of interesting "flow" associated with the positioning of the petals. I feel that the current crop accents this flow (as opposed to the idea of using a square crop). Looking forward to your next submissions. Nice Job …
|
Aug 7th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
This is quite an interesting presentation and giving it to us as a monochrome image is effective. The selected focus employed here aids in our ability to "focus in" upon the main subjects. I only wish that all three seed pods in the foreground were all in focus. Only having 2 of the 3 in sharp focus is a bit disappointing. I applaud your use of sharpness and tone to isolate your main subjects, but even so I find that the background still is a bit distracting. If this were my image, I might darken and blur the background even a bit more. Not enough to obscure the background content, but a bit more to "take the edge off" the background elements. I also agree with the comments regard the panoramic crop. Cropping in from the left might help this image in focusing our attention and removing some of the background distractions. As is true in many things photographic, "less is often more". |
Aug 7th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I am enjoying the wonderful sweep or flow of the blooms across the image. The composition and exposure are both effective in presenting these subjects, and the dark background is a nice touch. I find that the differential lighting employed here adds a lot to the presentation. The layered light (lightest with the middle blooms, less light with the bloom tops (I am blanking on their names), and darker under the blooms) all conspire to show off the blooms in their 'best light" (if you pardon the pun). I do find that the main subjects are a bit cluttered, and these blooms get lost a bit. If this were my image, I would be tempted to selectively darken the yellow blooms in the background, in an attempt to gain a greater separation of the primary yellow blooms from their surrounds. Adding the pinstripe border was a good choice in separating the image from the background, however I might have picked a less bright color from the image pallet (duller yellow or green) to server is that role. Nice Job … |
Aug 7th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Comment |
I am enjoying the presentation of this bloom that you have given us. The composition is classic (and this is not a bad thing) and the background complements the subject without competing with it. I also am enjoying the 'selected focus' within the image. This is not a tack sharp image, and it need not be. It is sharp enough to allow us to appreciate the subject but exhibits a softer artistic feel as well. This is especially evident in the stem of this bloom. I do find that the color is a bit over saturated, and that the petals are a bit overexposed. As a result, a lot of detail in the petals is lost. Shooting at a different time or using a diffuser should help. It is very hard to correct this in post-processing. Not bad though for your first attempt. I think you will find that getting great flower images is a lot more difficult than you first imagined. Looking forward to more of your images. |
Aug 7th |
| 75 |
Aug 22 |
Reply |
You might enjoy my feature article entitled "Focus Stacking and its Application in Macro Photography" published on the PhotoPXL Photographic site on March 12, 2020 on the Photo PXL (https://photopxl.com/focus-stacking-and-its-application-within-macro-photography/). Focus stacking helps in many cases, but there is a cost in applying this technique as well (see the article section entitled "Focus Stacking - Finishing the Image"). There is no free lunch ... |
Aug 7th |
6 comments - 5 replies for Group 75
|
12 comments - 9 replies Total
|
