The Penitent

[JBW]

The origins of this shot can be found here. I simply thought that this was different enough to enjoy its own thread.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[JBW]

Nicely captured.

it took a while to pp

[NorthernFocus]

Interesting image, Brian. I like the technique of isolating the subject with lighting. And when viewed large there's a lot of detail revealed in this shot.

I went and took a look at the linked thread and saw the original photo. This did require some rather extreme processing. To fully achieve your stated purpose of highlighting the two primary blooms you might be well served to stretch the histogram even further to the right. That can be tricky to do so without losing detail in the highlights. Not sure what software you use but in LR it could be done by raising the white point and dropping the highlights at the same time. That effectively stretches the right side of the histogram thus making the highlights brighter while retaining detail and leaves the shadows alone. And IMO supports your stated intent. I played with it a bit and even with the jpeg file was able to retain the detail. I think because the highlights are so dark there is a lot of room to work with. I'm sure it can be done with curves also but I'm just no good with curves having learned my PP with software that uses sliders.

[Donald]

Beautiful image. Well done, Brian.

Shows us that pressing the shutter is only the end of the first part of making a picture.

[FootLoose]

it took a while to pp

I'm just wondering how you metered this shot, Brian. I tend to use single point metering for bright subjects like this, which then makes the background black and eliminates, or reduces, the need to work on it in post.

[JBW]

I'm just wondering how you metered this shot, Brian. I tend to use single point metering for bright subjects like this, which then makes the background black and eliminates, or reduces, the need to work on it in post.

trying spot this morning

[JBW]

Interesting image, Brian. I like the technique of isolating the subject with lighting. And when viewed large there's a lot of detail revealed in this shot.

I went and took a look at the linked thread and saw the original photo. This did require some rather extreme processing. To fully achieve your stated purpose of highlighting the two primary blooms you might be well served to stretch the histogram even further to the right. That can be tricky to do so without losing detail in the highlights. Not sure what software you use but in LR it could be done by raising the white point and dropping the highlights at the same time. That effectively stretches the right side of the histogram thus making the highlights brighter while retaining detail and leaves the shadows alone. And IMO supports your stated intent. I played with it a bit and even with the jpeg file was able to retain the detail. I think because the highlights are so dark there is a lot of room to work with. I'm sure it can be done with curves also but I'm just no good with curves having learned my PP with software that uses sliders.

I'll see how your suggestion works in Capture 1.

[JBW]

Beautiful image. Well done, Brian.

Shows us that pressing the shutter is only the end of the first part of making a picture.

Not meaning to belittle anyone or to suggest my way is the best way but I begin to feel the difference between a snapshot and my idea of artistic photography is in the pp.

[Donald]

Not meaning to belittle anyone or to suggest my way is the best way but I begin to feel the difference between a snapshot and my idea of artistic photography is in the pp.

Partly I'd agree with that.

There's no doubt that completing the image in the digital darkroom is fundamental. But I also feel that how the photographer sets up/arranges his/her composition and the way he/she uses light, separates the snapshot from the fine art photograph.

I do see it is a game of two halves - one being as important as the other.

[JBW]

Partly I'd agree with that.

There's no doubt that completing the image in the digital darkroom is fundamental. But I also feel that how the photographer sets up/arranges his/her composition and the way he/she uses light, separates the snapshot from the fine art photograph.

I do see it is a game of two halves - one being as important as the other.

I stand corrected. At least I think I do. I'm still working on 'artistic'.