Pine Cone (series)

[Rebel]

Took some close-up shots of a pine cone earlier from a few different angles, here are the results. Its a bit experimental for me.

C&C Welcomed, thanks.

#1


#2


#3


#4

[pnodrog]

Interesting series and well taken. As a little photo-essay you should consider at least one photograph with the cone on the left side of the frame - maybe the final shot?

[Geoff F]

A difficult subject, Matt. Such a range in brightness levels and the curvature means it is difficult to get much sharp focus depth. The only alternatives being to merge a stack of different focus points, with suitable software, or to have sharp focus in the foreground gradually fading into the distance. Which you have achieved with the last two images.

[Rebel]

Interesting series and well taken. As a little photo-essay you should consider at least one photograph with the cone on the left side of the frame - maybe the final shot?

Thanks mate, I do have a photograph with a cone on the left hand side... I didn't think to post it

#5

[vaez]

Interesting series and difficult subject
i think left is better

[Rebel]

A difficult subject, Matt. Such a range in brightness levels and the curvature means it is difficult to get much sharp focus depth. The only alternatives being to merge a stack of different focus points, with suitable software, or to have sharp focus in the foreground gradually fading into the distance. Which you have achieved with the last two images.

Indeed, it is one of natures fascinating creations! I'm going to experiment a bit more with it.

[Shadowman]

Interesting capture.

[Stagecoach]

Well done Matt, a good result with these.

You have done a great job with the DOF and whilst stacking is always an option often it just provides a rather clinical picture.

As for exactly where to focus for compositions as these I wonder if there's any significance of making the point of focus strongest at the 1/3rds position? Just something that came to mind looking at these

[Rebel]

Thanks Grahame, I think your right, I wasn't going for the clinical/scientific look... Like everything I photograph, I just want to create a pleasing image to look at

[FootLoose]

Nice work, Matt, I particularly like the 3rd with the swirling pattern. I wonder if you have consider using a different background - one that offers a bit more contrast?

[Rebel]

Thanks Greg, what sort of bg are you thinking of... white?

[FrankMi]

Hi Matt, give me some direction here please. What is your goal for the pine cone?

If it is simply to portray a pleasing image, then you may want to consider what about a pine cone would be pleasing to look at.

Is it the detail in the spurs? If so, then you'll want to get more DoF.

Is it the pattern in the curved shapes? Then you may want to find a way to emphasize and draw attention to the shapes.

Is it the part it plays in nature? Then perhaps a more suitable background would help or the inclusion of a squirrel would help tell that story.

For example, I did a similar exercise with a slightly different seed pod, that of a Gum Ball Tree. In this case I was interested in presenting the Gum Ball's texture and how it looked resting on the forest floor which, is this case was moss covered.

To accomplish this goal I used an inexpensive extension tube on my lens and took a focus stacked set of images, then played in post processing to bring out those attributes. Here are several images from that experiment. Perhaps this can give you some ideas to try with your pine cone?

[ShaneS]

Nice experiment with some good results Matt! For a real Christmassy feel why not create some bokeh with some lights in the background or create a still life?

I went minimal with Xmas decorations this year and only used the ones that remained in the front closet from last year. I have quite a bit more that are packed away and you are making me want to pull them out and play!

[Rebel]

Wow Frank thanks for that, I shall give it a proper read through later.

Haha Shane, we've kept it minimal this year too. Good idea with the lights though, I might try that later

[IzzieK]

Funny you uploaded these...I was playing with pine cones yesterday morning to decorate the front of my fireplace in the family room. I decided to take pictures of them in all directions and angles I can think of. Shots still in my desk.

Yep, lesser decoration here too, Shane. I always end up putting everything away each year. This year I will not be sucked into it.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Matt I think #1 has an artistic look and I like it very much. I made a small edit to make it look more artistic, I would like to upload it just to give you an idea, would you like to see it?

[Rebel]

Hi Matt I think #1 has an artistic look and I like it very much. I made a small edit to make it look more artistic, I would like to upload it just to give you an idea, would you like to see it?

Yes please Binnur!

[bnnrcn]

Here it is Matt

[Rebel]

I really like that Binnur, I'm out at the minute so can only view on my phone! How did you achieve this effect?

[bnnrcn]

Matt, I made it with Viveza. I'm actually very new into Nik Software. First, I added a control point to the BG , next , I used the color picker tool and choose a dark color from your original image and that color effected some part of the BG. Then I widened the control point's area to apply that color to the whole image. This is the result

I really like that Binnur, I'm out at the minute so can only view on my phone! How did you achieve this effect?