Taking Pics of Flowers - DPChallenge Forums

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

12/01/2003 10:02:10 AM · #1

Your Christmas cactus shots, inspired me to study the one I have from my grandmother.

Thank you.

peace,
JC

TerryGee

Canon EOS-30D

12/01/2003 10:14:16 AM · #2

I did one too.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

12/01/2003 10:48:09 AM · #3

JC, I like the composition on that photo quite a bit. I don't care much for the border choice though... The image, to me, seems a tad underexposed... are you planning to shoot some more?

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

12/01/2003 11:00:06 AM · #4

Thanks for the comment..

I've had trouble with the exposure on this little fellow. Because of the nature of the petals, it's very difficult to get them any higher without over exposing.
They're starting to fade now, I may have to wait until next year!

I've more to process, I'll see if I can get one that is a bit brighter.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

12/01/2003 11:32:38 AM · #5

I know what you mean.. I did a series of white calla lily photos last summer that were quite difficult... when you apply light to a white surface, it is extremely difficult to keep the detail and texture visible... but with a little patience, I think you can do it :)

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/01/2003 11:43:37 AM · #6

Originally posted by JC Homola:

I like the composition, but I have to sgree that it seems a bit underexposed. I dunno what you're using for a light source, but it might help to add some diffusion between the light and the flower. That should help spread the light out and let you brighten it without losing the highlights.

Message edited by author 2003-12-01 11:45:33.

coolhar

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

12/01/2003 12:36:12 PM · #7

winter cactus flower

Message edited by author 2003-12-01 12:37:54.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

12/01/2003 07:51:47 PM · #8

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I'm having a devil of a time.
These blooms are also almost transparent. So it seems no matter how much I diffuse the light, in order to bring the exposure up, there is still being burned out areas.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

peace,
JC

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

12/02/2003 08:21:04 AM · #9

There are a couple methods you may wish to try... first of all, make sure your light source(s) are diffused. Soft light seems to work best most of the time. Use multiple light sources from different angles (each diffused). Creating even lighting will reduce the issues of hotspots. The lighting does not have to be partcularly strong. In fact, softer lighting probably works best. Use your tripod and take your time metering the scene for proper exposure.

magnetic9999

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

12/02/2003 08:33:21 AM · #10

Hey JC,

I have also tried my hand at lighting a white bloom. I entered this one in the 'Cliched Subjects' challenge and got a 7.15, and the dreaded 'green ribbon': 4th Place ;) ..

You can see that this guy is actually a little bit hot on the bloom. I did have some that weren't blown out, but none with quite so pleasing a composition, so I opted for this one. The rest, I have at home, but will happy to upload later.

Here's the best way I know to make a very large, highly diffused light source: hang a large white sheet between the light and the subject. Put the light behind the sheet. Move it closer and farther to taste. In effect, you are rendering the sheet into a huuge soft light source.

P.S. I lit my shot with only one light, and a piece of white board on the opposite side, just out of the frame, to reflect some light back and fill in the shadows.

Message edited by author 2003-12-02 08:33:46.

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/02/2003 08:45:53 AM · #11

A photographer friend also suggests this when dealing with whites:
1. If possible, use your flash controls to reduce the intensity of the flash.
2. Reduce the camera's exposure by using approx. -0.3 exposure compensation.

She said she picked these tips up from a pro when she was first learning, and the combination really helps to prevent blowing out the whites.