Glass Flowers (Abstract)

[Rebel]

Bit of an experiment here... any views and c&c welcome

EDIT: I've added a 2nd image where I've emphasised one of the flowers with the dodge tool, to give the image a bit of a focal point.

#1


#2

[Mike Buckley]

This has a lot of potential so continue trying other lighting options. This one doesn't work well for me because there is no particular pattern that draws me in and because the few really bright areas are at the bottom, drawing my eye to that part of the frame.

[Rebel]

This has a lot of potential so continue trying other lighting options. This one doesn't work well for me because there is no particular pattern that draws me in and because the few really bright areas are at the bottom, drawing my eye to that part of the frame.

Thanks Mike, tomorrow I'm going to try a few more shots with different lighting and maybe just having one of the flower patterns in focus. I'll see how it goes

[Mike Buckley]

I've added a 2nd image where I've emphasised one of the flowers with the dodge tool, to give the image a bit of a focal point.

That one works so much better for the reason that you explained. If you darken the bright areas beneath the "main" flower, I think you'll like it even more.

[Rebel]

That one works so much better for the reason that you explained. If you darken the bright areas beneath the "main" flower, I think you'll like it even more.

#3

[Shadowman]

Nice effort, the dodge totally changes the concept, I found myself looking at the first image as patterns/lines; whereas the second causes me the concentrate fully on the dodge section and ignore the rest.

[Mike Buckley]

For me, the last version is the far more effective image. The semi-abstract qualities now almost make me think the glass is spinning.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Matt , #3 looks good to me , very nice abstract

[IzzieK]

It is good idea, Matt...the last edit is better even after I had like the second of the first installment...

[Rebel]

Thanks for the views/comments all, I'm going to take a few more shots later to see if I can improve it at all.

[Loose Canon]

Hi Matt,

A couple of thoughts on this for your consideration if I may?

If this were my shot (and I know it isn’t) the first thing I would do with it is clean up all the specular “points” (spots) throughout for a cleaner look. The spots can have a tendency to draw the eye and look like something that was overlooked (i.e. mistake). Plus, if it went to print I don’t think they would add to the general appeal of your shot. I think they reduce the credibility of your light falloff from the main flower in your later edit.

I would suggest possibly pushing the levels locally on the focal flower just bit further and adding some local contrast to increase the tonal range. This would give it a bit more “sparkle”. This would also add some more separation of the focal flower. I think a bit of sharpening as well overall.

But before sharpening I would add some noise reduction. This would give your glass facets a nice slick look and improve the “luster” of the facets.

Anyway, just a Theory!

[deetheturk]

Hi Matt, cool idea, the edit works well!

[Rebel]

Terry: Thanks for the thoughts, I will keep those in mind when I re-shoot this later

Thanks David

[Rebel]

Reshot this, I've tried to create a sharper image and cropped it slightly:

#4

[Mike Buckley]

I really like the drama in the last one. The lighting is so much more interesting and the shapes are so much better defined.

It will probably be helpful if you number each image so people can refer to the number.

[Rebel]

I really like the drama in the last one. The lighting is so much more interesting and the shapes are so much better defined.

It will probably be helpful if you number each image so people can refer to the number.

Thanks Mike, changed the lighting slightly in this one and as a result there was far less PP involved.

[mugge]

I did not care much for the first 3 but #4 nailed it. I like it very much.
Ole