Tulips on Good Friday

Wonderful high key portrait Ken. The composition and settings used here make this a "10" in my opinion. Here's too a speedy recovery
Bob

I love this one Ken. I don't think I ever recall seeing high key used for a chiaroscuro effect and that would include any of the paintings I'm familiar with as well as the photographs and images. And the high key space throughout the image is a natural complement to the technique.

I also like the off center composition, the graphic quality of the subject and the light in general.

This is an exceptional image for my tastes. As creative a floral image as I've seen including any of Mapplethorpe's floral work.

I would consider removing the black (very dark) line on the front petal. I don't think it adds anything to the image and because of the tonal value relative to the rest of the image my eye goes right to it.

That said Ken, I'd just like to tell you how much I admire this image.

pat

The hike, did you wear boots and get strapped into a backpack?
The high key effect always intrigues me and the comp here does, also. It works very well imo. The only thing that bothers me is the lack of detail around the handle side of the vase, but then that's probably from being sweaty on the long hike.

The high key effect works beautifully here and I like the off center comp, Ken. My only suggestion; and this is just a personal preference; would be to have just a touch more room the right side of the frame. Sounds like a tough hike.

Ed

I'll echo the comments re: the black line on the petal and the lack of detail around the handle. That said, I think this is one of the more creative images I've seen posted here in awhile. The high key effect and "experimental" composition sets this apart. Nice stuff!

BTW, I was considering getting the 100mm Zeiss and tested it against my Nikkor 105 at my local camera store a few days ago. I shot the lenses with a D2X. Couldn't see any difference in sharpness or contrast between the lenses. I suspect it has more to do with my camera's sensor than anything else as both the Zeiss and Nikkor are probably out resolving what my camera is capable of producing. It would be interesting to run a comparison using the D3X.....

Hi folks, thanks for the kind comments. Good advice on the handle and un-pink color in that petal...thanks!

Mark, I have not done that test. Probably, just as well. As much as anything, I like gripping that Zeiss manual focus movement...the barrel turns with a 'sense' of precision. Plus, the heft. That feeling like you are picking up a cobblestone...attach it to the camera with a solid click...then slowly turn that focus collar...you are in the moment...having an Ansel milli-second fantasy. Who cares about the quality of the photo...that comes later...chapter 8! Ken S

Ken, I agree, the build quality on the Zeiss is outstanding. I'll probably pick up the 50 and hope they come out with something (macro) in the 150-200 range.

I love the high key lighting for this shot ! Beautifully done !

Well done.

Ken, I LOVE the subject and think using HK for this was right on the money. But to be honest, I am still not sold on the comp. I like the use of negative space on some shots, but this one just feels unbalanced to me and I am not sure why? I thought about it before writing and still the only reason I can think of on why it makes me feel this is because of the crop; which looks to be an 8x10. I think on a landscape crop, I wouldn't feel off balance as much.

Very nice Ken, I like the high key approach with this one. Beautiful processing, but can't you move it just a little to the left.

Really like the hi-key presentation, composition and detail. Subject isn't bad either Nicely done.

Love the high key effect Ken, beautiful work !!

I too like the high key effect as well as the positioning of the flower.

Ken, I am very late, but I want to tell you how much I admire this photo. It's a naughty but beautiful image that breaks many rules: of composition, lighting, color saturation of the subject. I love it also for this reason.
Cheers.