Magnolia Blossoms

Robin,

It's generally better to post one picture at a time if you want comments.

In my experience, the best flower pictures tend to throw the background out of focus - usually through the use of a wide aperture. Your middle picture (I didn't check the others) was taken at f9.5. My choice would have been F2.8 or f4, which would have virtually extinguished the rather distracting twigs in the background.

Furthermore, it is very difficult to take a satisfactory picture of a flower which is predominately white. The dynamic range usually exceeds the capacity of the film or sensor. Here, most of your petals are blown out.

The last picture has a better (more out-of focus) background, but I think it is marred by two things. First, the angle, looking up, means we don't get to see inside the flowers; and second, it isn't as sharp as it might be. Compositionally, however, it is the best - because the flowers are nicely isolated, unlike the first two pictures, which are rather busy.

G

I think your photos are basically OK, I find the biggest problem is DOF and light and for real close up you need a tripod, you will learn with lots of practice, I take 100's of photos of flowers and bin most of them you can see some of mine on my portfolio I hope it helps you.
Jack.

But then, going for wider aperture would cause the flowers being out of focus (#2)? So maybe rather 5.6 than 2.8?
George, about whites blown out - would it help if there is some shadow or the light is not so strong?

Magnolies are beautiful blossoming

Robin, just looking at these makes me feel good. You have to accept that there are those who want the photos to be perfect, technically. I just love nature and the way creation gives us such perfection. Catching that perfection is a long road. Don't be disheartened and do take on board what is being given to you, and eventually, yes, eventually you will please even the purist with your efforts. I like them, you like them, that is a start. regards Ronald.

I don't that matters too much as long as a critical part of the flower is in sharp focus, but I would agree that if f5.6 is sufficient to blur the background adequately then it would be fine. Incidentally, there is no right answer here.

Yes, it would help. My point was that it takes quite a bit of effort to capture satisfactory whites (and blacks), but it can be done. Lowering the contrast is key.

Indeed.

G

Looking at this again, I would be inclined to try a very tight crop on the three flowers in the middle picture, and then, perhaps, try to clone out the unopened flower in the background. I'm not usually a clone-ophile, but it might be merited in this case.

G

Thanks, everyone...I will inwardly digest...currently doing battle changing a mid position valve on my central heating.



Rob

Good luck then. Oh, you should be happy it's not a mid-winter then

Bit of sunlight here in S E Wales, been trying out different WB settings on tripod....what a difference.

BTW, changed valve and cylinder stat, rewired box and sorted leaks....EVERYTHING hurts....she that must be obeyed says I'm getting to old for this DIY stuff.



Rob