Lily

[peterb533]

Shot at RHS Harlow Carr in Yorkshire.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Peter,

On the grounds that any feedback is better than none, and I hate being quite so negative, but I can see several problems with this shot:
It is unevenly lit and there are blown highlights on two of the petals
It has a busy, and in places quite bright, background that could have been toned down in PP
Focus is behind the staymen that spelling doesn't look right
Depth of Field is insufficient (I can't see the EXIF to see what aperture you used)

Sorry that's sooo bad, but that is what I'm seeing.
I know the problem at these sort of places, I have produced shots just like this myself, at the time they look great, but a grabbed shot taken in non-ideal circumstances when viewed in the cold light of day just doesn't produce a pleasing result.

Still, now you know four things to watch out for next time!
You may find the result is you become far more selective at the taking stage - or just don't bother and decide to shoot under more controlled conditions.

I do hope that's helpful,

[carregwen]

Peter

I do a lot of shots like this as we have many fine gardens where we live. I have a small fold-up Kood reflector which has a black surface on one side. It's very easy to open it up and get someone else to hold it behind the flower to give you a clean backdrop in situations such as this. Although I see it's the RHS, and they probably wouldn't allow it! But I meant for other locations. Perhaps you could have gone to f2.8 or whatever to just focus on the stamens and blurred the background. It's a tricky situation, I know. My shot Primula Vialli was shot in a private garden, outdoors, in bright light, with a very messy background - see here... http://www.carregwenimages.com/section135630_60063.html

Kood reflector http://www.hiltonphoto.co.uk/product...ils/17666.html

[Susan]

Peter

I do a lot of shots like this as we have many fine gardens where we live. I have a small fold-up Kood reflector which has a black surface on one side. It's very easy to open it up and get someone else to hold it behind the flower to give you a clean backdrop in situations such as this. Although I see it's the RHS, and they probably wouldn't allow it! But I meant for other locations. Perhaps you could have gone to f2.8 or whatever to just focus on the stamens and blurred the background. It's a tricky situation, I know. My shot Primula Vialli was shot in a private garden, outdoors, in bright light, with a very messy background - see here... http://www.carregwenimages.com/section135630_60063.html

Kood reflector http://www.hiltonphoto.co.uk/product...ils/17666.html

Peterb, funny how a flower can produce such headaches!!
Carregwen - I have used assorted objects to put behind flowers and have had so so results..the Kood that you speak of sounds like it will fit the bill perfectly!!! Thanks for that recommendation! Also, popped in to see your "flower garden." B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L!!!!