I made Brian (JBW) a promise

[Dave Humphries]

A few weeks back, I said I would shoot something in my garden, using no more than the focal length range he has (18-55mm) using the nearest equivalent lens I have, which is my 18-200mm, f3.5-f/5.6, so that is actually reasonably comparable between 18 and 55mm. I processed with PS CC, since that's what I use.

I shot this on the 22 March, within a week of making the promise, unfortunately (here come the excuses) there was not a huge amount growing here then, I don't have the same climate and flora that Brian has and also likely an underdeveloped 'eye' for seeing the opportunities.

Therefore, no insects yet, no live plants either (we don't really tend our garden, so think 'neglected' and you'll get the idea).

This is a shot of one of last year's Sunflowers, long since dead, but actually still pointing at the sun (at the time I shot) - so from this side, it is backlit and I had to let it ramp up the iso to achieve a suitable shutter speed and aperture when shooting, which has resulted in quite a bit of noise, which in hindsight, I exacerbated by bringing up the 'shadows' too much in PP.


Nikon D7100 + Nikon 18-200mm at 50mm, f/11, 1/200s, iso 900, Manual and Auto-ISO (413-12953)
Hit Kbd F11 and click image to see at 636px × 950px (recommended)

I have a couple of other shots taken that day which I may add if there's any interest, but lets just say they are less 'natural' subjects - even I can see I'm not used to/comfortable shooting natural things

Perhaps I should get out there once a month*, there's a bit more growing now 3 week have passed.

* although I do cut the lawn every week in its growing season.

Cheers, Dave

[James G]

Dave, that structure is fascinating. As regards the insects, I've just posted on the Insect 2016 thread, bemoaning the fact that the little critturs are still in very scarce supply!

Back to the Sunflower 'carcase' though, I reckon a square? crop keepin the phong lights/reflections along the top right of the image would make a really interesting nature/abstracty kind of image. The curve of the stem into the remains of the seed head is reminiscent of coral structures.... (at least to me). Goes to show that there is always a photo out there to be had.

[ionian]

Beautiful out of focus area at the top - it won't be smooth enough for true Bokeh-gods, but it compliments your subject perfectly. Like James, I'd crop quite a bit off the bottom. Good eye, a very interesting structure.

[joebranko]

I think the structure the flower in this shot is very interesting. +1 to the comments about the crop. Great dof control!

[Dave Humphries]

Thanks James, Simon, Joe,

It just goes to show, if I photograph something that's as tall as I am, I can't get past that and 'see' the square crop option, I felt the need to (kinda) show the height

I'll do a square version tomorrow.

On the Bokeh; as it is a 10:1 zoom, I was also pleasantly surprised - I suspect it wouldn't have been as good if opened up more than f/11.

James, your comment about coral structure makes me think of colouring it blue and imagining the bokeh as bubbles

Thanks again, Dave

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[rudi]

A very good 'catch', which could/should be explored a bit more !!

[Dave Humphries]

Thanks John and Rudi,

Here is a square version:



Thanks for looking, Dave

[JBW]

Thanks John and Rudi,

Here is a square version:



Thanks for looking, Dave

I like it but, yes there is always a but.

With my camera/lens I would have shot at F/14 to get that little bit more of the sunflower in focus.
This next suggestion is personal preference but perhaps if you had tilted it 45 degrees to create a strong diagonal effect?
I have also just found out that C1SP allows me to clear up excessive noise from specific areas which I would have used on the background of this shot.

Now as for cutting your lawn once a week. Why? Long grass is a great bug habitat!

Thanks for taking your own challenge Dave.

[Dave Humphries]

With my camera/lens I would have shot at F/14 to get that little bit more of the sunflower in focus.
This next suggestion is personal preference but perhaps if you had tilted it 45 degrees to create a strong diagonal effect?
I have also just found out that C1SP allows me to clear up excessive noise from specific areas which I would have used on the background of this shot.

I didn't want the background too recognisable, although 2/3 stop wouldn't make much difference to that (or DoF).

Nah, it rarely occurs to me when shooting to try any angle other than the 'correct' one
... and even that I stuff up regularly and have to straighten in PP

Now as for cutting your lawn once a week. Why?

A: Three dogs - short grass makes clearing up easier

well, you did ask

[James G]

Bit late getting back, but that brings out the structure more for me. I'm going to be on the lookout for 'dead' sunflower heads later in the year.

[Dave Humphries]

Bit late getting back, but that brings out the structure more for me. I'm going to be on the lookout for 'dead' sunflower heads later in the year.

Yes, I did pay special attention to that after your earlier comment and re-processed from RAW to reveal more of it. Getting it bigger within the height of 950 px (by losing the stem) also helped.

It takes a whole winter for 'em to look this dead.

Unfortunately, a re-shoot of this one isn't going to be possible, it was culled as part of the post-winter tidy up.