Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Calla lily



Calla lilies are one of my favorite flowers. I loved the shape this flower made and although I tried different angles in composition, this view from above was my favorite. I followed Mark Westerman's tutorial and combined 4 images that focused on different segments so that I could get all of the surface of the flower in focus. However, I just layered the individual images in Photoshop, I did not use Combine ZM. I still intend to try that program one of these days. So, did I waste my time? Mike was not impressed with this image at all so I thought I would ask for other opinions. Also, I was not sure which version is better, the color or the sepia.
Camera info: Nikon D200, 60mm 2.8 macro lens, f4 at 1/125, ISO100, cloudy white balance
Post processing: Layered 4 images in Photoshop and masked out the blurry sections, merged visible and removed some spots and cloned one edge to line up, levels adjustment to brighten the flower, levels adjustment to brighten the background, Popsickle action from Kubota, Black and white warm and deep Kubota action for the sepia version

3 comments:

  1. I like the sepia one better. For me, it makes me focus on the shapes more, and that is what really makes this photo for me. You did a great job managing the background.

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  2. Very nice Cindi!

    I agree with Patrick about liking the sepia one better for the exact same reason! Also I like how you've managed to keep the image somewhat soft even with "sharp" focus!

    Cheers!
    Barry

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  3. I really like this image in color...not B&W. Must be the complimentary colors of yellow and green. The calla lily has always been one of my favorites for design. Great photo!!

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