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Twins (and reposts)
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Twins (and reposts)

by Mark Stahlke

Gallery: FloraPosted October 7, 201259 views11 comments
This is the next shot in my high key orchid series.

I'm not entirely satisfied with this one. Is the composition too static? Heavy on the right? How is the color balance?

Comments

11 comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 7, 2012 at 2:33 PM
Not too static, IMO, the color looks good and the high key approach works well. Heavy on the right fits the bill.
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Stahlke on October 7, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Thanks, Philip. That was my feeling too. Would de-saturating or brightening the right side help?
Registered on November 1, 2003, 97 Posts, 782 Comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 7, 2012 at 3:46 PM
My suggestion is either: 1) clone the partial flower out, or 2) turn the photo 90 degrees.
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Stahlke on October 7, 2012 at 4:32 PM
Flip horizontally, excellent idea! I think that works better. Maybe. That's why I post things here. Other folks have great ideas that they're happy to share.

But, but, but... now I can't read my name. :biggrin:
Registered on November 1, 2003, 97 Posts, 782 Comments
Comment posted by Robert Dayton on October 7, 2012 at 5:12 PM
Although I like this, I prefer your previous image.
Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments
Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on October 7, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Mark - Orchids are difficult flowers to shoot for a reason - this is one. They are way too difficult to isolate properly and their shapes make DOF a nightmare.

Even though I agree with your own assessment that its a bit right heavy due to the clipped bloom, I do like the flipped version much more than the original. Makes the flow in line with preference of a hard wired brain.

Hey, what happened to your name in the repost ? :razz:
Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Smith on October 7, 2012 at 7:16 PM
I find orchids difficult. It is a shame. High key is a good way to isolate and simplify...good job. I like the horizontal flipped version. It seems cloudy ..in spots...could be my eyes/monitor esp near the center of the blooms...maybe natural softness. Well done!

Ken
Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments
Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on October 8, 2012 at 10:40 AM
While I do like the flipped version Mark, I believe I prefer the other posts on this subject. It might just be the horizontal comp.
Bob :wavey:
Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on October 9, 2012 at 9:17 PM
Mark:
Whilst I like the hkey approach, I find that this one is perhaps a little over-exposed and the edges are starting to dissolve in the light. Have you tried blending images with different exposures to get better definition of the edge and yet keep the translucency?
Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Stahlke on October 10, 2012 at 1:18 PM
Here is the final version of this shot. I flipped it horizontally, lightened it and reduced the contrast and saturation. It's an improvement. I still think this one is a turkey, easily the weakest of the series so far.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 97 Posts, 782 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Fach on October 13, 2012 at 6:18 PM
Mark: This is superbly done. Great series. >=))>
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments