The Whatsit

[FrankMi]

I found this plant quite interesting but haven't got a clue to what it is. It is so thin and stringy - a lot different from most plants I commonly see.

It also poses some tricky shooting and processing issues. What should I focus on? How much DoF should I use? Given the noisy high contrast background, what is the best way to get visual separation between the flowers and the background?



As an attempt to get better DoF, I tried the technique presented in the second section of Tim Grey's Webinar then reduced the background contrast.

Any shooting or PP suggestions would be most gratefully received.

Can anyone identify this plant?

[ShaneS]

I think that it is a Queen Emma (Crinum) Lily Frank.

Here is another link: http://www.south-florida-plant-guide...inum-lily.html

We have a lot of them in Hawaii and I have no idea how to get a good shot of them as they are usually planted amidst other plants which can make for very 'messy images'. I think that the best you can do is try to minimize a messy background in camera as much as possible or shoot very tight on the flowers themselves

[IzzieK]

I have the same thoughts as Shane...(she beat me by a hairline...) use a zoom lens with large aperture and shoot tight...

[FrankMi]

I think that it is a Queen Emma (Crinum) Lily Frank.

Here is another link: http://www.south-florida-plant-guide...inum-lily.html

We have a lot of them in Hawaii and I have no idea how to get a good shot of them as they are usually planted amidst other plants which can make for very 'messy images'. I think that the best you can do is try to minimize a messy background in camera as much as possible or shoot very tight on the flowers themselves

You are my hero Shane! I have the most difficult time identifying things like this but based on the links you provided it is clear that this is a form of Crinum Lily, and most likely either a Queen Emma or Purple Prince.

I tried to move in close to control the DoF as much as possible, but the background leaves were huge and very contrasty.

Thank for your thoughts as well, Izzie. I may have done about all I can short of using a 'blackground'. I just don't like overusing the blackground as the flowers can become too repetitious and boring. Better, me thinks, to learn how to use different techniques for variety and interest.

Thank you both for your comments. They are truly appreciated!

[chauncey]

Aah, Frank...why not use a drape?

[Brownbear]

Hi Frank,

I must say that the natural background looks immensely challenging to photograph around. All I can think of to add to the great advice you've already received is if you could find a giant green leaf (palm, banana tree or the like) to place behind the flower, or if possible expose for the flower petals with a darker background.

Or if the plant is in your yard, replant it somewhere else.

[FrankMi]

Aah, Frank...why not use a drape?

I'm not sure the hotel would approve of that!

Seriously though, it is probably easier to do a selection and replace the background using layers. Sometimes the drape doesn't look all that great and in this location it wouldn't be permitted. I do sometimes shoot greenery close by with the realization that I might need a more neutral natural background to replace the busy one. In this location, however, there simply wasn't a clear background to capture that would be appropriate.

OK. To be honest. I didn't think about it this time. <sigh!> Maybe it's oldtimers catching up with me!

[FrankMi]

Hi Frank,

I must say that the natural background looks immensely challenging to photograph around. All I can think of to add to the great advice you've already received is if you could find a giant green leaf (palm, banana tree or the like) to place behind the flower, or if possible expose for the flower petals with a darker background.

Or if the plant is in your yard, replant it somewhere else.

Moving things around in the hotel atrium probably wouldn't go over too very well. LOL! Thank you for the suggestions though. I may yet come across a situation where that would work and when I do, I'll by remembering your thoughtful words of wisdom!

[Brownbear]

Seriously, pursuing photo opportunities inside a hotels atrium... Still surmountable if you're willing to pose as the gardener or contracted landscaper. A pair of overalls and gardening gloves should suffice.

PS I'll post your bail.

Moving things around in the hotel atrium probably wouldn't go over too very well. LOL! Thank you for the suggestions though. I may yet come across a situation where that would work and when I do, I'll by remembering your thoughtful words of wisdom!

[Ken Curtis]

Hi Frank.

Since this was taken indoors, I assume there is no breeze to move the flowers. If that is true, then I would use a wide aperture and a long focal length (e.g., f3.5 and 200 mm). Set the camera for manual focus, aperture and time. Take multiple shots, each time manually adjusting the focus from the closest part to the furthest part of the flower. At home, do focus stacking in software to achieve a sharp flower with a blurred background.

[FrankMi]

Hi Frank.

Since this was taken indoors, I assume there is no breeze to move the flowers. If that is true, then I would use a wide aperture and a long focal length (e.g., f3.5 and 200 mm). Set the camera for manual focus, aperture and time. Take multiple shots, each time manually adjusting the focus from the closest part to the furthest part of the flower. At home, do focus stacking in software to achieve a sharp flower with a blurred background.

Excellent analysis Ken. I think you are right on the money. In this case I did have the right equipment with me to do a focus stack and thereby control the DoF very precisely. Even at that though, the background was so busy and contrasty that DoF alone would likely not fully address the issue.

What I was lacking was the time as I was subject to what my wife and daughter had scheduled. Also, I often don't realize what the potential for an image is before I have the shots on the monitor at home. This is one of the reasons why being able to scout out scenes, do some test shots, and return fully equipped can be such a big help. It is also one of the reasons why serious photographers work solo and avoid the multiple agenda timing conflicts.

I marginally got away with this image, which was taken in the same hotel and about the same time. Again, this was a perfect candidate for controlled DoF with a focus stack but fortunately, the background wasn't anywhere near as big an issue.

Thank you so much for your comments Ken, they help me to better plan the next outing.