Macro - Blue Iris and Stuff

[Second Hand Pat]

Found these little gems in my neighbors garden and have a variety of compositions. Thinking of using one of these for my macro entry in the upcoming photo contest so looking for suggestions. :)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1645/26006720071_31e2fd9a33_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FC8ePn)DSC_8915 (https://flic.kr/p/FC8ePn) [/url]

Tempted to title this one "Easter Morning"
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1673/26006723041_a45173d7e3_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_8903 (https://flic.kr/p/FC8fGz)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1444/25980534992_6dfc73fd4a_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_8894 (https://flic.kr/p/FzP2Uu) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[rickztahone]

Although the second one is centered, I believe it has the nicest background and it makes it my fav

[Second Hand Pat]

Although the second one is centered, I believe it has the nicest background and it makes it my fav

Sounds like I need to keep looking Ricardo. This one tells a little story but bee is not in focus.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1610/25468642104_9808e99e1c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ENzrZ3)DSC_8920 (https://flic.kr/p/ENzrZ3)

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/25982018532_91ef243f7e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FzWCUL)DSC_8932 (https://flic.kr/p/FzWCUL)

[Second Hand Pat]

Different angle :D

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1633/25470370234_5b41319690_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ENJiGo)DSC_8839 (https://flic.kr/p/ENJiGo) [/url]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1583/26049198436_983e58018d_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_8840 (https://flic.kr/p/FFSX9Y) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[Discus-n00b]

On a still day these flowers would be the perfect subject to try out some focus stacking on! Are there any rules in the contest about stacking? I like that last one.

[Second Hand Pat]

On a still day these flowers would be the perfect subject to try out some focus stacking on! Are there any rules in the contest about stacking? I like that last one.

None that I know of Matt. To do a proper stack I could try it in the softbox I make.

[SMB2]

The first one has the best composition.
Don't know who judges your CC, but most look at BG as well as how a flower is presented. For instance, in the last image having an odd number of central pedals is great but you can't crowd/cut off the left one. The image second to last, you have pulled back some, but that then begs the eye to see the whole bottom sepal and the upper bud.
In the top three, the first has the nicest balance even with the central subject. The second one has the distracting upper right brown leaf. You might try a tighter crop on the third taking from the right and bottom.

Personally, macro is tough going from a sharply focused documentary shot to something that also appears artistic.

[Second Hand Pat]

The first one has the best composition.
Don't know who judges your CC, but most look at BG as well as how a flower is presented. For instance, in the last image having an odd number of central pedals is great but you can't crowd/cut off the left one. The image second to last, you have pulled back some, but that then begs the eye to see the whole bottom sepal and the upper bud.
In the top three, the first has the nicest balance even with the central subject. The second one has the distracting upper right brown leaf. You might try a tighter crop on the third taking from the right and bottom.

Personally, macro is tough going from a sharply focused documentary shot to something that also appears artistic.

What do you think of this one Stan? Similar to the very first image but representing all the inner petals while being slightly off center.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1707/26000178002_f43ca785f7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FBxH65)DSC_8916 (https://flic.kr/p/FBxH65) [/url]

Played around in the Nik collection

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1480/26029101371_6bc2b6da11_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_8916-Edit (https://flic.kr/p/FE6WZR) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[Akili]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/25982018532_91ef243f7e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FzWCUL)DSC_8932 (https://flic.kr/p/FzWCUL) This one is so neat Thanks for sharing Pat!!

[Second Hand Pat]

This one is so neat Thanks for sharing Pat!!

Thanks Akili, I really loved how rich this photo looked.
Pat

[SMB2]

I like the comp. of the last image. However the central structure is a bit soft and the ghosting/chromatic aberration on the background leaves will get noticed. Perhaps that is from sharpening? the whole image and not just the infocus part?

[SMB2]

I like the red ?Crown of Thorns? but would crop it with less green. Just some to offset the red. For competition the bee has to be facing the viewer :~)

[Second Hand Pat]

I like the comp. of the last image. However the central structure is a bit soft and the ghosting/chromatic aberration on the background leaves will get noticed. Perhaps that is from sharpening? the whole image and not just the infocus part?

Thanks Stan, I will see what I can do with the edging on the leaves. I noticed that too. The lens used has a very narrow focal depth and all the photos of this flower is soft. May need to use a different lens to get all internal structure of the flower in focus.
Pat

[rickztahone]

Nik software is great (and free now!), but I do not believe it will do you any favors on this challenge. Try to keep things natural, but also try to think of compositions and backgrounds as Stan mentioned. I have literally stared at a subject for more than 10-15 minutes before I shot just to even think it was worthy of an entry. Many times, you see something and you think it can be a great shot, but the ones you should enter are the ones that you know are great shots. This keeps everything in mind, focus, comp, background, distractions, leading lines, technical lens characteristic problems...etc. These things really matter in submissions. When I have judged shots in the past, I look at all these things and I assume the shooter has done the same, because I like to assume that they took as much time arranging the shot as I will be taking in actually judging it.

I hope that make sense?

[Second Hand Pat]

It does Ricardo and I love this flower in person but with due consideration find the photos lacking. I do have a previous shot which might be worthy.

This one or

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1706/24735561434_57a8a2d973.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DFNdD9)DSC_6833-3 (https://flic.kr/p/DFNdD9) [/url]

this one

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1690/24994068869_539a9ee42d.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_6836 (https://flic.kr/p/E5D8TT) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[rickztahone]

First one seems much better to me. The second one is too contrast-y for the subject imho

[Second Hand Pat]

I love the first one. It's so delicate.

[rickztahone]

So I came back to see this picture on a larger scale and what is hurting the shot is the fact that the center is not sharp. All the pedals lead you in to the center part and it is out of focus. Do you have any with it in focus?

[Second Hand Pat]

So I came back to see this picture on a larger scale and what is hurting the shot is the fact that the center is not sharp. All the pedals lead you in to the center part and it is out of focus. Do you have any with it in focus?

Nope, Nikon's Micro 105 lens has a narrow focal depth even with a small aperture (F8). I see this with expansion tubes also. Pretty sure I see that with lots of macro shots. Guess I will be sitting out on this competition.
Pat

[rickztahone]

Nope, Nikon's Micro 105 lens has a narrow focal depth even with a small aperture (F8). I see this with expansion tubes also. Pretty sure I see that with lots of macro shots. Guess I will be sitting out on this competition.
Pat

No, don't do that Pat! You want to experience the problem. I really don't want to discourage you here. I just want you to see the things that I am seeing that a judge will see. Not sure when your timeline is, but if you could go out and shoot today, go out and give it a go with all the things mentioned in mind. Background plays a huge role in macro photography. Cropped factors do as well. Is there a size or crop restriction? Please don't be discouraged though :(

[Second Hand Pat]

No, don't do that Pat! You want to experience the problem. I really don't want to discourage you here. I just want you to see the things that I am seeing that a judge will see. Not sure when your timeline is, but if you could go out and shoot today, go out and give it a go with all the things mentioned in mind. Background plays a huge role in macro photography. Cropped factors do as well. Is there a size or crop restriction? Please don't be discouraged though :(

Have about a week I think Ricardo and fighting lots of rain. Perhaps in having the closest point in focus is what is throwing off the some of the photos. I will try again if the rain allows. The one requirement is the photo has to be 1400 pixels on the longest edge.
Pat

[rickztahone]

Rain can be EXCELLENT for macro photography. If the rain lets up at any time, go outside, find long grass or anything that would hold a bead of water, but also look for a colorful flower in close proximity. When you find these two, take a shot of the drop but with the flower shown in the water drop. These shots are absolutely stunning if done right. I have only been able to pull it off once and it was a stunner.

[Second Hand Pat]

Excellent idea. Remember that wild grass which had the pretty red seed heads with orange flowers inside. That would be different and awesome I think.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Perhaps something like this.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1528/25520780373_e8eea74118.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ETbESH)DSC_8963 (https://flic.kr/p/ETbESH) [/url]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1614/26123405095_398fa1471e.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_8958 (https://flic.kr/p/FNrhd8) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[Len]

Pat, why not cut some flowers and photograph them inside out of the rain? You could even spray them with water if you wanted to get that effect -- all while you stay dry :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat, why not cut some flowers and photograph them inside out of the rain? You could even spray them with water if you wanted to get that effect -- all while you stay dry :)

Len, did you see the photos in the post above yours. I used my softbox to take those pictures.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Ricardo, a little more representative of what you were getting at?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1518/26124493265_4ef79143d7.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FNwRFF)DSC_8975 (https://flic.kr/p/FNwRFF)

[Second Hand Pat]

Will play with this more tomorrow.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1605/25520747484_2efa015c5d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ETbv6E)DSC_8984 (https://flic.kr/p/ETbv6E)

[SMB2]

These have a lot of potential.
Do you have extension tubes?

BTW using a mister never seems to give the same type of droplets that come with rain or dew.

[Second Hand Pat]

I do Stan, I was using a mister with a DIY softbox like Al make in his thread for the photos taken today inside.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Need to retake this but think this has some interesting possibilities as a B&W?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1452/25548701614_f7315a0911_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EVDLTq)DSC_9072-Edit (https://flic.kr/p/EVDLTq)

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1543/25883113790_c529353ffb_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FrcHYA)DSC_9167 (https://flic.kr/p/FrcHYA)

[Second Hand Pat]

I actually rather like this. I focused on the upper flower allowing the lower flower to be a supporting element in the photo. It has sort of an artsy feel to it. These are little tiny flowers called blue eyed grass.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1558/26158290615_fb1c865732_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FRw5sB)DSC_9166 (https://flic.kr/p/FRw5sB)

[rickztahone]

This last one works really nice. And the foreground OOF flower really does add to the overall picture IMHO. From the previous pics, the super macro one, what exactly are we looking at?

[Second Hand Pat]

You asking about the B&W Ricardo? That's a side view of the beginnings of a leaf structure of a staghorn fern. Or you could consider it some organic alien life form.
Pat

[SMB2]

I really like the last one. I am a big fan of OOF "ghost images".
For fun try a slight bit tighter crop.
Also when you are taking an image like this (and are not in a park or private place!) I would consider pinching off the dead flower behind the subject. ONLY if it is on my property or somebody I know.

I think that is one of your nicest flower images to date.

[Second Hand Pat]

I really like the last one. I am a big fan of OOF "ghost images".
For fun try a slight bit tighter crop.
Also when you are taking an image like this (and are not in a park or private place!) I would consider pinching off the dead flower behind the subject. ONLY if it is on my property or somebody I know.

I think that is one of your nicest flower images to date.

Thanks Stan and I agree. I think I found my competition entry so any PP suggestions are welcome. These flowers are on personal property which is for sale but the flowers are so tiny almost afraid to touch them. Here's a little tighter crop.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1525/25890388430_5044b72de6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FrR1tq)DSC_9166-3 (https://flic.kr/p/FrR1tq)

[rickztahone]

I'd go with that Pat. Very nice. Read the guidelines before submitting. A few do not allow watermarked photos.

[Second Hand Pat]

They do not want watermarks on the submitted photo. I just export without the watermark. No biggie. Now to see what we can do with B&W.
Pat

[SMB2]

I like that a lot, nice balance, BG and lighting. Of course you never know with a judge...!

Look at your bird images for B&W, or does it have to be a flower?

[Second Hand Pat]

I like that a lot, nice balance, BG and lighting. Of course you never know with a judge...!

Look at your bird images for B&W, or does it have to be a flower?

Has to be macro Stan. The only macro I have in my arsenal is that little white spider. I noticed some mushrooms in the horse pasture this morning. I will be checking those out.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

A few macro shots from today.

Ant Face

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/26149209766_2fc59f59a4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FQHx3f)DSC_9196 (https://flic.kr/p/FQHx3f) [/url]

Waiting

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1514/25570406844_5e2c6cbf32_z.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9279 (https://flic.kr/p/EXz26w) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[Second Hand Pat]

A more focused crop.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1579/25903026280_bdb860141c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsXMgo)DSC_9279-4 (https://flic.kr/p/FsXMgo)

[Second Hand Pat]

A little more refinement.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1610/26179052225_af2a3d4052_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FTmuap)DSC_9279-5 (https://flic.kr/p/FTmuap)

[rickztahone]

A more focused crop.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1579/25903026280_bdb860141c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsXMgo)DSC_9279-4 (https://flic.kr/p/FsXMgo)

I typically do not like vignette but for some reason this one works for me!

As far as the ant shot goes, it is a beautiful shot, however, when I opened it up on Flicker, I noticed the head and eye weren't in focus, this will hurt you greatly in a competition. I thought you were more wide open and noticed you were at f/8! It probably would have taken f/13 or f/16. At that point, you worry about diffraction and simply having too slow a shutter speed to compensate for being so stopped down in macro.

[rickztahone]

btw, just scrolled through your Flickr page and you are doing a bang up job! 8 pages of pictures now! Very impressive.

[Second Hand Pat]

The antface shot was just a fun shot. Maybe I will go back and try a smaller aperture. :) My flickr account sure does tell the story doesn't it Ricardo :D
Pat

[rickztahone]

The antface shot was just a fun shot. Maybe I will go back and try a smaller aperture. :) My flickr account sure does tell the story doesn't it Ricardo :D
Pat

You ain't kidding. In about a year I forecast that you will pass my page count on Flickr! I need to get out more and shoot.

[SMB2]

I might try lightening this up a bit and add selective contrast plus sharpening to the spider. I like a slight vign. but this is a little heavy for me eye as it renders the two lower corners overly dark.

[Second Hand Pat]

I might try lightening this up a bit and add selective contrast plus sharpening to the spider. I like a slight vign. but this is a little heavy for me eye as it renders the two lower corners overly dark.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1597/26189886305_68484e858d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FUj1KT)DSC_9279-7 (https://flic.kr/p/FUj1KT)

[Second Hand Pat]

Here you go Ricardo.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/25951128700_b3d04fd563_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fxdjrs)DSC_6830 (https://flic.kr/p/Fxdjrs)

[rickztahone]

Lovely Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

The results of the Macro are in.

The score for the colored image was 78.33

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1525/25890388430_5044b72de6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FrR1tq)DSC_9166-3 (https://flic.kr/p/FrR1tq)

The score for the B&W was 83.33. A bit surprised to take 3rd. :D

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Fxdjrs]https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/25951128700_b3d04fd563_c.jpg

[rickztahone]

The B&W was a really stellar shot. I'm glad you went with it :)