2013 Amaryllis Hippeastrum Cybister "Chico"

[Marie Hass]

Haven't posted here in a while.

2013 Amaryllis Hippeastrum Cybister "Chico"

It is just starting to open. I probably should have used my flash.



Please comment.

Marie

[Lon Howard]

Marie, probably I should be the last to comment since I don't shoot flowers and rarely use fill flash; but to me it's a very pretty image. The high key background produces a very pleasing contrast. The image seems to be a rule-breaker in that the subject is centered horizontally but it works for me in this case. At first glance the stem seemed a bit long but it's length seems to define this bloom. I'm sure the flash would've brought out the small amount of detail lost in shadow and also evened out the exposure so that the color at the top/right wouldn't have been lost. The colors could then be enriched a little more. It would have probably also made the yellowish extension on the left a little too hot but that could be toned down with no problem.

Why not try the flash and post it again? A novice like me (and maybe one or two others ) will probably learn something.

[Marie Hass]

Round 2.

With external light source.

1.


2.


3.


Critique and comments welcome.

Marie

[Lon Howard]

It's more or less how I thought it might turn out, Marie. Overall, #3 seems to work best. #2 Is obviously a little soft. #1 Is also an improvement but the second bud creeping into the frame tends to distract without adding any additional interest, not so much so in #3. The flow of the stem in #3 is also more appealing, starting from the bottom diagonally to the right and then reversing direction as it goes upward, finally providing a 'finish' not displayed in #1. I would be tempted to attempt to erase the extra bud in #3 but that would be a real challenge in that it's flush up against the main stem. Nice job.

[Marie Hass]

Lon,

I want to thank you for responding. I am strictly amateur and I value your input. Thanks for the comments. I found your commentary on composition very helpful.

The second bud has now matured and is getting ready to bloom. :-)

Marie

[Aforns]

Like the image Marie and flash would not have helped much. Image has a good feel and well composed. I like using diffusers and reflectors for flowers with natural light !!

[Marie Hass]

Welcome Alfred! And thank you for your comment. Since I have time on Saturday, I may give my reflector a try. It would be interesting to compare the effects of each when using natural lighting.

Marie