Mid Autumn Moon+Repost

Gary: I was just getting ready to open Robert Dayton's image and comment on how it is really eye candy for a color junkie and then you post this! I like the color against the dark BG on this version but I don't like how the bottom of the vase is too dark to discern well. If that area could be opened up a touch I think it would work better for me. Beautiful arrangement and capture. >=))>

A great fine art still life, Gary! Of the two, I prefer the darker BG image.
Nevertheless, they both work.

Very pleasing composition. Wonderful colors. You've inspired me to see if I can get something half as good. The colors really pop against the darker background.

Gary, I like your beautiful arrangement and the photo works well. I would like to see a slightly more bright vase.

No kidding around on this, Gary. This is beautiful. I also like the black BG and think just like Bill and Yimming that the vase is a little dark.

Marvelous arrangement Gary & equally beautiful Light

Beautiful arrangement and image. Great job. I prefer the darker version, although I think being able to see more of the vase in this version would be even better.

Each one is stronger Gary. I could also see calling this "Moon Behind Cloud Wisp".

Arrangement: asymmetrical elements in rectangular space, energy from diagonals and top heavy verticals, some space but not airy, strong supporting base but appealingly balanced to my eye, pleasing color complements in the choice of flowers and an interesting choice of floral elements in the arrangement. I think the arrangement in the smaller image is much stronger than the arrangement in the larger. Although I do prefer the placement of the grass blade in the larger. I also prefer the thicker arrangement of the base flowers in the smaller image. I like the shape of the vase but would ideally have selected a color that separates it more effectively from the bg. (not a problem in the larger image)

Photography: I prefer the darker bg. Detail is good. Placement in the frame works for me. The container is problematic because of bg separation as already mentioned. The lighting works for me but doesn't seem to add value and that may be your intention. The white ping pong ball mum highlight might be darkened just a touch.

Actually the smaller image seems more like Mapplethorpe to me than the larger. I think the gradient is better and I also like the yellow complement to the blue bg. The table works for me in both images but is more Mapplethorpish in the second, lagrer where it's clearly defined.

I like the first image a lot Gary and would have it on my wall in a second. Very impressive.

pat

Simply stunning! A natural fireworks display. I much prefer the dark background version where it might be worth cloning out all indications of the vase.

You've given us another gorgeous arrangement beautifully photographed. Thanks!

What a beautiful arrangement, Gary! I especially like the addition of those droppy grasses; they look like fireworks. What a magnificent mix of colors which contrasts so nicely with the black BG (I prefer that image).

Amazing color, great arrangement, professional lighting and background. Superb work!

What a stunning, full of life still life Gary. The dark vase aside, this is just superb.
Bob

Great composition and beautiful colors, perfect light control, sharp details... I wonder wether the contrast is a bit too much high...
Mauro

Gary,
beautiful image with excellent detail, great colors and light. Very well done.

Thanks for both the excellent image but also the Mid Autumn Moon Festival information. The arrangement is perfect, both busy and chock full of variety and color. I prefer the black BG and also appreciate your usual job in nailing comp.and detail so well.

Excellent job!

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments. I spent quite a bit of time on the base of this image but did not quite get it right. The main problem is the dark bowl on a dark table and strong shadow. I will rework the bottom part of this image again in future.

Pat: Both versions are the same - only slight rotational POV difference and minor change in flower position during transport...but it does look different when viewed from different angle.
Oh, I do like your suggestion of "Moon Behind Cloud Wisp".

Re-worked version. Base exposure increased EC+2. Still darkish but the bowl is better defined. Interested to hear feedback on the base.

Gary,

I actually still prefer the original. I'd rather sense the dark table as a presence than actually see detail in it. I do like the brightened figures on the container in the repost.

Interesting on the pov. To my eye the positional differences in the elements is significant in the image. And I don't think what I'm looking at is pov induced. The flowers have moved in different directions as opposed to a uniform rotation. Although the blade of grass difference does appear to be a point of view change. At least that's what I think I see. (smile)

pat

Homerun here. The depth and color you captured is top notch. Terrific work.

Hi gary I prefer the reworked version, but think all the other versions are marvelous. The colors and detail are stunning. remarkable work
Albert Darmo
Canada

Beautiful arrangement Gary, the colors pop

Beautiful Gary. For me, it's the best of this series. Splendid.
Take care.