Columbine

Gallery: FloraPosted May 2, 201169 views12 comments

Aquilegia canadensis (I believe)

Another trip to the wildflower preserve was productive, but not in the way I expected. Only one week had past since the last visit, yet the species in bloom had changed entirely. So I was unable to get another shot at some of the species I was hoping to improve on. Instead, I found several new species including this Columbine.

In my opinion, this image seems plenty sharp and the separation from the background is its strong point. But I have mixed feelings about the lack of foliage. Like the plant isn't anchored or something. I would like hear what you think.

All comments welcome.

Nikon D80
Mode: Aperature
ISO: 400 (Shaded area and cloudy skies)
Lens: Nikon 300mm f/4
Exp: 1/20 sec at f/11
Tripod, remote release and exp. delay

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on May 2, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Jeff: Great isolation and BG. Really well done.>=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on May 2, 2011 at 9:18 PM

I like it Jeff but I'm also used to trying to get this kind of bg for birds, so...

I like the image as posted but if you wanted to crop it to 4:5 I think that would look good to. Would give you a little more emphasis on the bloom and show more detail on it.

pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on May 3, 2011 at 1:59 AM

Jeff .beautiful piece of work ,, and very nice detail...is there a tad bit more space at the bottom..?

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Derek Yow on May 3, 2011 at 8:10 AM

Beautiful subject and beautiful capture Jeff. I dont mind the stem exiting the frame w/o an anchor point.
I'm wondering what this would look like with the blossom lightened a little to make it pop off the BG more.

Registered on May 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 655 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on May 3, 2011 at 12:58 PM

Excellent image- Great detail, colours and BG- I'd leave the composition as is- Well done, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on May 3, 2011 at 1:38 PM

Wonderfully executed Jeff. I might want to see a little less negative space on the bottom, but purely subjective. Well done.
Bob

Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on May 3, 2011 at 2:05 PM

The comp works for me, Jeff. I get the feeling that some sort of action is going to take place from that lofty pov.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Bernie Kasper on May 3, 2011 at 2:41 PM

Very nice Jeff, I know how hard it is to shoot these little gems, wind is not your friend !!

Registered on June 5, 2005, 251 Posts, 3734 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on May 3, 2011 at 10:44 PM

Here's a version where I cropped from the bottom and left to focus on the bloom a bit more. I also darkened the background a tad and brightened the blossom. What do you think? Personally, I think it is an improvement.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Derek Yow on May 4, 2011 at 12:26 PM

Looks great!
The original image was strong, but I think the repost is much stronger.

Registered on May 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 655 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on May 5, 2011 at 10:32 AM

This is just exquisite, Jeff ! I am absolutely with the idea of no foliage - I think this creates a feeling of solitude which this small flower carries beautifully. Top notch image !

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on May 5, 2011 at 10:59 AM

I love your image as first presented. The isolation of the bloom upon so natural a background makes for art without filters.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments