Playing with black background and leaves

[mknittle]

The ginkgo looks flat to me.


The juniper is a bit better

[Shadowman]

I like it, nice composition and processing.

[Mike Buckley]

Intriguing compositions! I agree that the lighting disguises the shape of the subject in the first image. Though the shape is better defined in the second image, it could be defined much better. Introducing a shadow by lighting one side of the plant stronger than the other side will work wonders for defining the shape.

[mknittle]

Thanks John,

[mknittle]

Intriguing compositions! I agree that the lighting disguises the shape of the subject in the first image. Though the shape is better defined in the second image, it could be defined much better. Introducing a shadow by lighting one side of the plant stronger than the other side will work wonders for defining the shape.

Thanks Mike, I will give that a try. that is if there are any leaves left after the wind this afternoon. I could try some loose ones on a black back ground though.

[Mike Buckley]

You may already know that when photographing the subjects against a black background, it's easiest to keep the subject a sufficient distance from the background that lighting the subjects doesn't light the background.

[chauncey]

Spinning the branches to give a different perspective might prove interesting.

[Mike Buckley]

Spinning the branches to give a different perspective might prove interesting.

As perhaps might also happen when spinning the branches while using a slow shutter speed.

[chauncey]

Touche mon ami...good idea!

[mknittle]

Like clamped to a rotisserie motor?

[Mike Buckley]

Like clamped to a rotisserie motor?

Let us know how it works. Personally, I would mount the camera on a tripod and turn the subject with my hand while using the other hand to release the shutter using a remote control.

[IzzieK]

I like the second one better...The rottiserie motor will be a little too slow to spin don't you think?

[mknittle]

I like the second one better...The rottiserie motor will be a little too slow to spin don't you think?

I think with a slow enough shutter speed it might work. I already have the parts so if It doesn't work nothing lost. My thinking is With a consistent speed (the motor) all i have to worry about would be camera settings.

[Mike Buckley]

I wouldn't be concerned about having a consistent speed. A consistent speed might offer a slightly different look than an inconsistent speed but it's not as if a consistent speed would make a more attractive photo than an inconsistent speed.

[mknittle]

I wouldn't be concerned about having a consistent speed. A consistent speed might offer a slightly different look than an inconsistent speed but it's not as if a consistent speed would make a more attractive photo than an inconsistent speed.

It's starting to rain so Maybe I will get a chance to give it a try inside.(without the motor).
If I am going to hold the branch in my hand all I really need is the background and lights