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Chocolate Lily + Repost
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Chocolate Lily + Repost

by Jim Zablotny

Gallery: FloraPosted June 2, 20184,145 views7 comments
I was talking to one of the park rangers at Teddy Roosevelt National Park and asked her about the wildflowers that were in bloom. She mentioned that chocolate lilies (Fritillaria atropurpurea) might be in bloom along the Ridgeline trail.  So I lugged the 600 mm f5.6 up a steep trail and found several plants in bloom.  It was windy, dusty, with bright, contrasty lighting.  I added about 36 mm worth of extension and Jenny held a white umbrella over the plant to diffuse the light.  K5 IIs 600 mm f5.6 (36 mm extension, 1/125 sec at f11, Iso 400, mirror up).  Increased canvas on top, , cropped to 8x10, rubber stamp tool for removing some orphaned OOF grass, Luminosity masks with curve adjustment for Lights1, Darks2, and Midtones, Brightness & contrast............Jim

Comments

7 comments
Comment posted by Bill Fach on June 2, 2018 at 11:48 AM
Jim: Well worth the effort and a fine result. I've never been to TRNP so this is one more reason to saddle up and get there sometime. Excellent work.>=))>
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 2, 2018 at 2:52 PM
Beautiful lily. The perspective, comp, and BG are great. Very tough conditions! 
It seems a little washed -out -  more contrast and sat of the lily would likely help.
Nice find!

Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on June 2, 2018 at 9:33 PM
Good work on a complex subject. I agree somewhat with Sandy that it appears a little washed out. My favorite trick on something like this is just to darken the midtones with a levels adjustment. Worth a look.
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on June 3, 2018 at 7:56 AM
Hi,

I tweaked up the saturation and contrast with an adjustment of levels for midtones.  Thank you Phil and Sandy.  I also changed the crop slightly and positioned the stem closer to the LH portion of the frame...................................Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Fach on June 3, 2018 at 9:16 AM
Jim: I liked the original but do think the repost is a nice improvement. Kudos. >=))>
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 3, 2018 at 12:59 PM
The original was nice - the second version is a fine  improvement, imo.
Lovely image - 

Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Barb Pflaum on June 3, 2018 at 8:30 PM
This is a lovely look at these flowers!  I think the repost is even better.
Registered on January 14, 2009, 316 Posts, 2724 Comments