Emerging Stars

Gallery: FloraPosted June 4, 20071,096 views14 comments

Starry Mayflower (Maianthemum stellatum)

This porcelain-like flower blooms by the thousands in the damp areas our local nature preserve -- Lake in the Hills Fen. It was brilliantly sunny so I used a large lite-disc diffuser and waited for a lull in the wind.

I could crop this closer, but I like the feeling of the flowers being nestled in the leaves. As always, I would appreciate your thoughts.

Nikon D2x, Nikkor 200mm, 1/40s F/11, ISO-100; tripod; diffuser

Comments and criticisms always welcome.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Vic Harris on June 4, 2007 at 11:15 AM

David, the lines in this are magnificent. I like the crop as presented. Maybe a little more contrast to deepen the shadows but still this is fabulous!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 295 Posts, 2830 Comments

Comment posted by Jack Mroz on June 4, 2007 at 12:50 PM

David,
I also like this crop as well. Excellent detail and DOF and would also agree on a little more contrast. Well done.

Jack

Registered on July 12, 2006, 114 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Barb Hansen on June 4, 2007 at 12:53 PM

Exquisite capture Daivd and although a bit more contrast may work too I like this as presented.

Registered on May 16, 2005, 380 Posts, 5157 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on June 4, 2007 at 1:09 PM

I love the flow of the leaves and the framing they provide the bloom! A perfect specimen displayed in a perfect exposure!

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on June 4, 2007 at 3:40 PM

David: This is FINE! Just a superbly crafted image. 10+ on this one. >=))>

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

Comment posted by Richard Tomalty on June 4, 2007 at 4:15 PM

Nice comp and great detail David. The diffuse light flattens the image a little. maybe darken the shadows a bit IMO.
Rick T

Registered on October 11, 2006, 212 Posts, 1610 Comments

Comment posted by David Schwaegler on June 4, 2007 at 4:32 PM

Thanks so much for your comments. I find them helpful. It's interesting to consider the differing opinions on the amount of contrast. I'm reminded again on how much depends on the monitors we use. It seems even calibrated monitors can be quite different especially in regard to contrast. I have a LaCie LCD and a Sony CRT attached side-by-side. This image seems to have about the right contrast when I view it on the LCD, but could use more on the Sony. Then there is the difference between calibrating to a 2.2 gamma or a 1.8. I use 2.2 so will show more contrast than if I used 1.8

But please keep the comments coming. Ultimately they help me consider elements that I should pay attention to when I try to print this.

Registered on December 4, 2003, 232 Posts, 1652 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Buck on June 4, 2007 at 5:11 PM

Wonderful use of environment David. I love the lines and the 'nestling' feeling. A beautiful shot.

Nathan

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

Comment posted by Rachel Emma on June 4, 2007 at 5:28 PM

I agree i like this as it is without the crop, brilliant image well captured!!

RachelEmma

Registered on April 14, 2007, 48 Posts, 137 Comments

Comment posted by Thomas Biggs on June 4, 2007 at 8:58 PM

Beautiful shot!!

Registered on January 13, 2005, 310 Posts, 1257 Comments

Comment posted by Larry Lynch on June 5, 2007 at 11:42 AM

David, love the flow of the lines and color. Outstanding comp.

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

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on June 11, 2007 at 9:56 AM

David, congrats on the MP / EP! Well deserved for this wonderful image!

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Tomalty on June 11, 2007 at 7:17 PM

Cogats David this is really a winner.
Rick T

Registered on October 11, 2006, 212 Posts, 1610 Comments

Comment posted by Carol Hyman on June 17, 2007 at 10:25 PM

The diagonals are fantastic, David.

Beautiful capture. Congratulations on the EP.

Carol

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