My experiment with this carnation continues. I just wanted to prove myself I can be very happy with spending 3 dollars on flowers and have hours and hours of fun, just as much as driving 6 hrs (which I did today) to capture fall colors. Not everyone of these images will be a wall hanger but it is one way to force yourself to learn to see. Even the most everyday, taken for granted things in life can still teach us so much, if we stop and pay attention.
The first three images were shot up close with Raynox Super Macro Lens Add-on to my Sony 90mm Macro lens. It’s important to remember to use tripod even if you have a very steady hand. It just slows you down enough to pay attention to the composition. The edges of the petals can give you unlimited possibilities. The only ask here is you take the time to look through the lens.
#4 and #6 are shot with black felt background and I have lightpainted the flower from behind. You just have to be careful with light spilling over on the frame so it might take a few attempts to get it right.
#5 and #7 are converted to black and white using NIK filters. When you take away color from the flower, you are left with the lines, form. Since flowers are known for their attractive colors, it’s hard to imagine them in black and white initially. But as the times goes by, you will start identifying the flowers that would look great in BW. My experience shows that backlighting will enhance any flower both in color or in BW. Try tulips, callas, begonias with lots of petals and such. But always remember that if you don’t experiment, you won’t know.
