Playing with light

[shirlm2]

I'm really getting frustrated with the awful weather so decided to do a bit more experimenting indoors with a light and my reflectors.
All were taken with my macro lens (F2.8 60mm) using manual settings and focus. Although I used a variety of settings the ones in this first series all happened to be F10, shutter speed 0.5 secs, focal length 60mm. ISO 200

A few more to follow

[shirlm2]

In the second series
#1 F10 @ 1 second
#2 F8 @ 0.3 secs
#3 F10 @ 1/4 secs
#4 F10 @ 0.6 secs

All had slight levels and contrast editing with a high pass filter for sharpening.

[wanda]

Only one thing I can say Shirley, Stunning!

[mj702002]

Shirley -- These are Great!!
In the first set I really the reddish ones--all of 'em...just a little bit better...
But in the second set I really like the ones with just the white flowers - and looking down on them...and I also very much like the vase they are in from what I can see of it :p

The flowers make really great 'practice' subjects too...I often do that in the winter time also!!

[Kaye]

Shirley, your compositional expertise certainly shows up in these shots.
I really love them all - the second series for the brilliant contrast you have created with your background,
and the first series (as I love macro so much), and really like the angle on these. As soon as I saw No. 1, I knew it would be my favourite. Just beautiful.

Perhaps for variation in the first series, you could have taken one or so with the flower leaning in the other direction.... I find I tend to have a favourite direction when taking flowers, and have to prompt myself to change to the other side. Just a thought.
These were a pleasure to view.

[DoctorJazz]

Beautiful work Shirley!! The first in the first series is breathtaking for the composition, color, light, and I love the color of the background. Just perfect.
They are all wonderful.
I esp. like the way you caught the light in no.3+ 4 of the second set....it seems to create a feeling of drama.

[shirlm2]

Hi Wanda thank you so much.

Hi MJ thank you for your comments. It was a great fun way to spend a grey afternoon & flowers are so appealing to photograph. .

Hi Kaye thank you also for your comments. You are so right about changing flower direction. I tend to get fixated and in these I was so busy moving the light around for different effects that I forgot to change the flower direction. I will have to make a mental note of that one :).

Hi Sandy I’m so pleased you liked the images. I too prefer #3 & 4 of the second series and I think you are right with the contrast adding more drama. Thank you for your thoughts.

[mdonahoe1]

Shirley,
I am a big fan of floral macro shots and these are beautiful! As I work my way thru the course, I hope to be able to get shots like this one day, too!

Marianne

[shirlm2]

Hi Marianne thank you so much for your very kind comments. As they say practice, practice, practice and it is really rewarding to see the improvement. I still have a long way to go but can see the difference when I look back on my earlier shots & I know it won't take long for you to feel likewise.

[mrdoug]

O M G ! Absolutely love these, Shirley. First series, photo #5 - BEAUTIFUL!

[shirlm2]

Hi Doug thanks so much. I had good fun as too awful to get outside.

[AndyP]

Stunning work, great lighting and attention to detail in the finish

Thanks for sharing

Andy

[Geneo]

These are really nice- you did good!

[shirlm2]

Thanks Andy & Geneo for your kind comments, appreciated.