For DSS #79, A Rose

silversx80 · June 18, 2011

Here is my submission and I'm very pleased with the results, however, I'm always open for C&C :deal.

Olympus E-620 + Zuiko Digital 50mm f/2.0 Macro.

ISO 200, 1/100s, f/5.6, tripod mounted, remote release. I used a shoe-mounted flash w/ homemade macro-diffuser and a note-card for bounce above the rose. Backdrop is a manila folder as this is a bouquet of (small, about the size of a quarter) roses I got for my wife and wanted to separate this one. I wanted the diffused shadow to show up, so the folder is a little closer to the rose.

SOOC Jpeg settings are +2 to contrast, +1 to sharpness, monotone w/ green filter applied and auto WB.

Thanks for looking.

ghinson · June 18, 2011

Let me start and say that this is a cool SOOC shot and I really appreciate the effort you did to get it.

Now, a little nit-picky C&C. I'm not sure about the shadow myself. I think it is good that it is there, but I feel like it should either be sharper or more diffused. As it is, it doesn't look exactly like the shadow of the rose. Secondly, I think the dof is nice, but I find myself wishing for a little more focus along the top edge of the front pedals.

But, as is, it's an awesome shot.

silversx80 · June 18, 2011

Thanks Greg!

I see what you mean. I'm not sure I'll be able to get the shot set back up as it was quite the balancing act and we're moving to our new house tomorrow morning. I have a few other ideas I'd like to try that are along a similar concept to this. In the meantime, here are several others I shot off with slightly different EV comp and angle of lighting:

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

kdotaylor · June 18, 2011

Yeah, I find the shadow a little distracting. The first one of the second batch is awesome!

silversx80 · June 18, 2011

So am I barking up the wrong tree with the shadow? I'm a little bothered by the leaf in the lower-left of the frame, but if that's less distracting than the shadow, maybe I should upload a new one to the gallery.

ic4u · June 18, 2011

I agree #1 of the new set is very nice...the leaf doesn't really bother me
Good luck with your move

ic4u · June 18, 2011

Can you do a side by side of your current entry and #1 of the new set, cause seeing your entry in the gallery, it does look nice!

silversx80 · June 18, 2011

Hope this works. Original is left, #1 from new set is on right.

ghinson · June 18, 2011

Given the choice between the shadow and the leaf, I'll take the leaf. But even moreso, I like the crispness of the pedals in the new one. Very nice.

ic4u · June 18, 2011

It's a toss up for me, but the one on the right has a slight edge for me. I prefer the leaf over the shadow as well, plus there's more detail in the lighter petals...very nice!