First flower shot

[jhzafrani]

Hello All,

This is my first attempt at close up flower photography. Please let me know what you think:

http://static.flickr.com/55/134429786_966c4f91a8.jpg
Larger Version: http://static.flickr.com/55/134429786_966c4f91a8_o.jpg

Exif Data:

Camera:Canon EOS 20DExposure:0.003 sec (1/400)Aperture:f/5.6Focal Length:188 mmISO Speed:100Exposure Bias:0/2 EVFlash:Flash did not fire
Orientation:Horizontal (normal)X-Resolution:72 dpiY-Resolution:72 dpiSoftware:Adobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsDate and Time:2006:04:22 17:40:44YCbCr Positioning:CenteredExposure Program:NormalDate and Time (Original):2006:04:22 14:52:32Date and Time (Digitized):2006:04:22 14:52:32Shutter Speed:566484/65536Metering Mode:PatternSub-Second Time:640Color Space:sRGBFocal Plane X-Resolution:3959.322 dpiFocal Plane Y-Resolution:3959.322 dpiCompression:JPEGImage Width:3416 pixelsImage Height:4584 pixels

[Robert_Lay]

I guess "close up" here is intended to mean "not as close as macro". It seems like this is about the right distance for this subject, whatever you want to call it. My only problem with it is the background. Sometimes you have no choice - but, in general, when the background is brighter than the subject, the subject can suffer. In this case, I think it's a draw. It's a fairly nice composition and the exposure is good and the color balance seems to be right on.

I feel that it is a little too static in the arrangement and it really needs something else to bring up the interest.

[Meaty0]

Bob's right. It lacks that extra something. Perhaps you could photoshop a hummingbird in there somewhere (just kidding). It's a good attempt for a first shot. Keep trying.

My only helpful advice would be to not use "Save for web" when you prepare your photo for the forum. This strips the EXIF data out of the picture. If you just use the Image=>Resize command, it will retain the EXIF data in the picture and save you having to copy and paste it all in.

Paul :-)

[S. William Davis]

I think the back ground takes away from it a lot. At times I've been know to put my camra on time exp. and use my jacket or shirt as a back ground. Make sure your camra is on a lonf exp. time and keep the jacket or shirt moving to even blur it more,,
Sam

[S. William Davis]

This is a sample of using my jacket, was posted on here a while back.
Sam

[Meaty0]

I think the back ground takes away from it a lot. At times I've been know to put my camra on time exp. and use my jacket or shirt as a back ground. Make sure your camra is on a lonf exp. time and keep the jacket or shirt moving to even blur it more,,
Sam

That's a really good tip.

I presume you have some sort of remote release cable so you can stand behind the subject and wave your jacket around while you press the shutter release?

Also, what exposure time do you use?

Paul

[S. William Davis]

That's a really good tip.

I presume you have some sort of remote release cable so you can stand behind the subject and wave your jacket around while you press the shutter release?

Also, what exposure time do you use?

Paul

I put my camra on self timed exposure and then get behind and keep the jacket moving,,
Sam

[Hellashot]

The bright background really takes away from your shot. Look for contrast between you subject and what's behind it. The flower almost gets lost in the background.