Flora - 1st HM

Gallery: EPA 2011Posted June 18, 20112,006 views54 comments

Dandelion Seedhead

A Dandelion Seedhead. A shallow DOF take on it. Due to its spherical shape, no depth of field is usually enough so I decided to increase the magnification to reduce the field of view to eliminate the curvature and shot slightly sideways.

ND200, 50mm F/1.8 with 68mm of Extension @ F/2.8, 1/125 Sec, ISO200 and Handheld (won't do it again- with every breath I keep losing the focus-magnification being higher than 1:1).

Thanks a lot for your comments on Columbines and do let me know what you think of this one.

Comments

54 comments

Comment posted by Mark Windom on June 19, 2011 at 12:42 AM

One of the best dandelion seedhead shots I have seen. I like the tight comp and the diagonal "line" of relative sharpness. Nice work!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 176 Posts, 2302 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on June 19, 2011 at 12:48 AM

I like your choice of DoF Ramamohan. The high key nature of you image is also delightful.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on June 19, 2011 at 12:49 AM

Possibly the finest dandelion image I've seen Ram. Inspired composition and capture - at least for my tastes. Love the sawtooth diagonal and the subtle color palette.

pat

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

Comment posted by Carol Hyman on June 19, 2011 at 1:22 AM

Ram, I think the most fascinating thing about this image is the color--the range from gold in the LR to the whites and blues and greens in the UL. I can just see you attempting to keep the focus.

Nice job.

Carol

Registered on January 18, 2007, 597 Posts, 8062 Comments

Comment posted by Bob Duff on June 19, 2011 at 6:39 AM

Fantastic image Ram. Hope you didn't pass out holding your breath trying to get this one.

If you don't mind my asking, how many images did you have to take to get this keeper?

Registered on April 21, 2010, 160 Posts, 1675 Comments

Comment posted by Ellen deBoer on June 19, 2011 at 7:45 AM

Sweet image, Ram! Good choice of DOF and comp.

Registered on March 16, 2006, 419 Posts, 2076 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on June 19, 2011 at 8:31 AM

If you don't mind my asking, how many images did you have to take to get this keeper?

..

I took 3 (it's my standard practice when handholding). 2 were in focus, 1 was not. I'll let you know a small secret. When I handhold I rest my right elbow/forearm (whatever is comfortable for the shot) on the Quick Release Clamp (in my case RRS-ASII). Gives it a lot of solidity. If there is no wind, you should be able to nail it and know that you have nailed it.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments

Comment posted by Cam Held on June 19, 2011 at 9:45 AM

I've seen lots of seedhead shots, but I must say this is probably the best! Perfect composition and DOF! And thanks for the handholding tip, I'll have to try that!
-Cam

Registered on November 12, 2009, 59 Posts, 398 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on June 19, 2011 at 11:19 AM

A touch of color in all that white and a touch of sharpness in all that blur is what I like most about this. Excellent image

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

Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on June 19, 2011 at 12:34 PM

This is sweet Ram. I like your vision and repeating images throughout. Superb in my opinion.
Bob

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on June 19, 2011 at 3:05 PM

Hi Ram This is a breathtaking composition

It's a work of photographic art!!!! Awesome color and form

Albert Darmo

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on June 19, 2011 at 3:19 PM

Ram: Only a masochist or a master would attempt this hand held

. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. This is just a great shot both technically and aesthetically. One of your best.

>=))>

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

Comment posted by Cindy Garwood on June 19, 2011 at 8:05 PM

I love this. Great Job!

Registered on April 7, 2011, 46 Posts, 141 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on June 19, 2011 at 8:17 PM

Wouldn't want it any other way ram. This is great the dof works so well with the softness of the whites and the wispy flower.

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on June 19, 2011 at 8:45 PM

Magnificently crafted image Ram.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 19, 2011 at 9:33 PM

I said it before - you're on a roll. Another superb image.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Anne K. Rusk on June 19, 2011 at 10:07 PM

Great minds...I took a shot much like this yesterday! Your focus is right on and I love the colors. Beautiful!

Registered on October 10, 2010, 65 Posts, 904 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Week on June 19, 2011 at 11:29 PM

Very nice Ram! Love the DOF diagonal line you have here!

Registered on February 19, 2007, 62 Posts, 394 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on June 20, 2011 at 1:43 AM

Ram:
Just fabulous!

The good news is you don't have to hold your breath again for a dandelion because this is a masterpiece and there is not need to repeat again

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on June 20, 2011 at 7:16 AM

The detail of these seedheads really make the dandelion a special subject to photograph. You've done a wonderful job in getting a pleasing comp, great dof and a frame filling delight.

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by Giuseppe Guadagno on June 21, 2011 at 1:08 PM

When you go so close and enter the soul of the flowers your photo are simply great. You surely succeeded in increasing the depth and the movement. A beautiful image Ram.
Take care.

Registered on February 3, 2007, 827 Posts, 5052 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Buck on June 21, 2011 at 3:26 PM

Late to the party Ram, but this is just awesome. I love the feeling of lightness and airiness. Wonderful on all accounts (plus one).

Excellent, excellent, excellent.

Nathan

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1101 Posts, 13589 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on June 21, 2011 at 8:27 PM

I'm late, too, but I just had to comment.
So, you won't do this again? Fortunately, you already did it! I don't care how difficult it was -- it was worth it.

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on June 22, 2011 at 9:57 AM

Simply beautiful- Your treatment of light on this one is out of the world- My best congrats, Fabio

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 22, 2011 at 8:03 PM

Gorgeous image!
Love the focus - congrats on another fine WP!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Derek Yow on June 22, 2011 at 8:56 PM

Congrats on the WP Ram! Well deserved!

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on June 22, 2011 at 10:14 PM

Hi Ram

I knew it would win

Congrats on the WP

Albert Darmo

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on June 23, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Ram:
Congrats on WP

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on June 23, 2011 at 1:45 AM

Many congrats on the WP, Ram !! Have only just got round to this - a superb image, wonderfully creative and beautifully composed.

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

Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on June 23, 2011 at 8:22 AM

Congrats on a well deserved WP Ram...this is just wonderful!
Bob

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

Comment posted by Mohammad Hosseini on June 23, 2011 at 10:02 AM

Very interesting view of dandelion. Very good one

Registered on May 16, 2011, 15 Posts, 301 Comments

Comment posted by John Fan on June 23, 2011 at 1:29 PM

Like the soft light.

Registered on August 24, 2010, 135 Posts, 489 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on June 23, 2011 at 6:11 PM

Congratulation on the weekly pick. So well deserved!

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

Comment posted by Bruce King on June 23, 2011 at 8:08 PM

Nicely conceived and executed Ram. Congrats on the WP.

Registered on January 14, 2010, 276 Posts, 2212 Comments

Comment posted by Larry Lynch on June 23, 2011 at 8:52 PM

Congratulations for a well deserved EP.

Registered on September 16, 2006, 773 Posts, 9940 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on June 23, 2011 at 9:38 PM

Beautiful and well deserved. EP.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on June 23, 2011 at 11:12 PM

Thanks a lot to everyone who commented and viewed this photo. Thanks also to the many wishes

.Much appreciated.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on June 30, 2011 at 12:32 PM

So soft and flowy... perfect.Congraulations

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on January 2, 2012 at 8:36 PM

A hearty congratulations Ram on the 2011 EPA pick. A pleasure to view and study.

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 2, 2012 at 9:57 PM

Congrats on the EP, Ram.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Conway on January 2, 2012 at 10:43 PM

Beautiful work Ram! Congratulations on the 1stHM Award!!!

Peter

Registered on June 25, 2007, 347 Posts, 3913 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 3, 2012 at 1:07 AM

Ram, just exceptional - congrats on the 2011 Flora 1st HM !
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on January 3, 2012 at 3:55 AM

Really happy to see one of your wonderful shots among the winners!

Congrats

D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Derek Yow on January 3, 2012 at 8:04 AM

Congrats on the EP Ram!! Beautifully done, and well deserved.

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

Comment posted by denise ippolito on January 3, 2012 at 8:08 AM

Congratulations and well deserved!

Registered on December 17, 2009, 202 Posts, 1529 Comments

Comment posted by Giuseppe Guadagno on January 3, 2012 at 9:45 AM

I am happy to see that you have been rewarded for such a beauty: a rare photo of a common subject. But I consider this also a recognition for all the splendid works that you have posted through the whole year, for our delight. Congrats.

Registered on February 3, 2007, 827 Posts, 5052 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on January 3, 2012 at 2:01 PM

Ram

Congrats

I knew this image is special when I first saw it. You continue to delight us with all your fabulous postings in the last year. Well done.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Lorna Taylor on January 3, 2012 at 5:59 PM

Congratulations Ram on this lovely HM win, such a beautiful dreamy shot !

Registered on November 12, 2010, 254 Posts, 3083 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on January 3, 2012 at 6:08 PM

Many congrats, Ram, on your EPA award - it could have been for many another image besides this fine one !

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

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on January 3, 2012 at 8:36 PM

I really love the softness of this image. Glad to see it awarded..Congratulations

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 4, 2012 at 9:14 AM

Ram, Congratulations on your EP. This is just one of many outstanding images this year. Looking forward to seeing more.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Mohammad Hosseini on January 5, 2012 at 8:56 AM