Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Phalaenopsis #2
‹ PreviousFlora GalleryNext ›

Phalaenopsis #2

by Mark Stahlke

Gallery: FloraPosted November 16, 2010471 views20 comments
Moth orchids make fascinating subjects. I like the way they respond to strong back lighting.

Every time I stop by the floral department I end up with another orchid. I'm up to five different varieties. I probably spend an hour there, looking at each plant from every angle and thinking about how I would photograph it. The staff must think I'm insane. I'm afraid they're not wrong. :smile:

Nikon D300
Micro Nikkor 105/2.8
1/30 @ f/11 @ ISO 200
+2.7 exposure compensation

Comments

20 comments
Comment posted by Pat Sampson on November 16, 2010 at 8:30 PM
The time spent shows Mark. Love the comp and the exposure. Superb image.

pat
Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Duval on November 16, 2010 at 9:21 PM
One step short of insane is passionate, so I'll say passionate and that comes through in your image. The background is just a tad bright in the upper left, and the flower might pop a little more with a slightly darker background.


Paul
Registered on June 30, 2009, 508 Posts, 1907 Comments
Comment posted by Carol Hyman on November 16, 2010 at 9:46 PM
I love the high key effect, Mark. Beautiful specimens. You could carefully select the very background petals and probably pop them out a bit with sharpening but not sure that's necessary. I rather like how they fade just a bit into the background.

Cheers,

Carol

Congratulations on the EP, Mark. Well deserved.
Registered on January 18, 2007, 597 Posts, 8062 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on November 16, 2010 at 9:54 PM
The lighting is pretty intense on my bright imac monitor, but I like the effect. Sweet image.
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Krunal Janani on November 16, 2010 at 11:52 PM
What a lovely flower & what a cool image this is Mark, i dont know about the whites i might jus try & tone em down by a bit to see if they make the flowers pop more :smile:
Registered on September 16, 2010, 60 Posts, 1370 Comments
Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on November 17, 2010 at 3:40 AM
You've perfected this striking high key effect that works to showcase these orchids. Love it! :toast:
Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments
Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on November 17, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Fantastic high key portrait Mark. Super effort.
Bob :wavey:
Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on November 17, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Mark:
I am really enjoying and admiring your high key orchid series. So captivating. The diagonal/triangular shape is great.

I also spend a long time at the florist as well :biggrin:
Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments
Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on November 18, 2010 at 4:22 AM
Wonderful graphic quality to this, Mark and a superb high key effect ! I love the fading into the distance of the furthest flowers - a very fine image altogether.
Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments
Comment posted by Debashis Bandyopad on November 18, 2010 at 5:32 AM
Most brilliant Mark.. Wonderfully captured :toast: :toast:
Registered on June 24, 2007, 130 Posts, 1309 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on November 18, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Hi Mark :wavey: This is marvelous :eek: The high key effect work wonders with this orchid. The composition and detail are just perfect. :toast:
Albert Darmo. Canada
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Fach on November 18, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Mark: I liked the first version but the comp and clarity of this one is really exceptional. This is a superior image. >=))>
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments
Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on November 19, 2010 at 3:08 AM
You're insanely creative, Mark. This is so delicate and really lovely. Beautiful comp, too, with the high key and the couple of blossoms facing forward against the couple facing backwards. Mmmm, good!
Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments
Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 20, 2010 at 10:50 AM
An excellent high key image. The comp is superb as ell as the dof. Very well done!
Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments
Comment posted by Phillip Noll on November 20, 2010 at 6:43 PM
This is exquisite! Beautiful composition, exposure and processing. Well done! :toast:
Registered on November 17, 2003, 207 Posts, 1083 Comments
Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on November 24, 2010 at 12:28 AM
Congratulations on the EP!
Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on November 24, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Mark,
missed this since I've been away this week -
Congrats on a great EP! just lovely!

Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Monica Siri on November 24, 2010 at 12:49 PM
A superb comp. Congrats on EP.
Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments
Comment posted by Angela McCain on November 24, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Beautiful image. Well conceived.
Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Harbour on November 28, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Gorgeous and captivating. congrats on the well deserved EP :toast:
Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments