Something I was thinking about when processing this lady slipper image was how gritty and ‘hard looking’ it was becoming, and how that is normally the opposite of how flowers are portrayed. Perhaps one might stereotype flower photographs as being ‘pretty’, ‘delicate’,’soft’, or even to the point of sensual ala Georgia O’Keeffe. The low angle view I shot this at and fairly shallow DOF also contributes to a light and airy feeling to an image.
What happens when we then decide to take an opposite direction in how the final image is processed with a harder, stronger approach? When we start going in the opposite direction of the stereotype, some interesting things may happen. Different aspects end up being emphasized and perhaps what was a yin-dominant image becomes yang dominant. Do you think this can create some type of conflict to the viewer of the image? Or does it create more interest? Do some subjects accept a certain “look” more than others? It is an interesting thing to think about.
As photographers, we have more control than ever on how our images are processed. and presented in their final form. Processing has become an artform in itself as the finishing touch to a photograph. So thinking about this important last step in creation of your image can result in an entirely new set of questions and considerations. In the field we try to consider flattering light, flattering angles, depth of field – all to portray our subjects in the best possible ways. When it comes to post-capture, is the box now wide open or still limited to what a subject may or may not accept in portrayal?
That was supposed to be “soft flower *in* an edgy presentation…darn fingers…
A soft flower is an edgy presentation. It’s a thought-provoking approach. I’ve never seen these in a white form before – is it a white morph of yellow ladyslipper?
Unlike you and Jimmy, I only know ram’s head orchids from books – so I’m envious of both of you.
Yes, some interesting thoughts you put here for us to think about!
This is a wonderfully different image you have shown here Mark.
It does seem to have a hard edge to it, very sharp, … almost over sharpened for effects.
A image that is different from the norm I would say.
As far as processing, … I sometimes need my brakes checked!! 🙂
Mark, I like to experiment too. In this case, it appears that you wanted to emphasize the fine hairs on the stalks rather than the Lady Slippers themselves. It’s amazing how much different a picture can become with adjustments, especially contrast.
Howard, I tend to be the same way – I usually do my standard adjustments, and have to decide whether to go down that road of adding layers, local dodging/burning, etc.
I know there is no formula for determining the way to go, but sometimes I wish there was!
Jimmy – I haven’t photographed ram’s heads in a long time, I am envious you have them near you.
I have never seen white ones like this before. these are just beautiful. I guess it is time for me to go see if the ram’s head ladyslipper is blooming.
One of the toughest things for me is choosing how to post-process. Once starting down the road with an image, the choices are almost overwhelming…more/less saturated, more/less contrast, local contrast, local sharpening etc….It helps to have a ‘final’ image in mind when starting but sometimes I can’t help but go down another fork to see if I like what is there.
On the other hand it is also tough to know when to stop. It seems like sometimes that road can go on forever….
Nice shots.
Several years back, I used to raise orchids…truly amazing flowers. I have never seen lady slippers in the wild, though I know they are reported to grow in some of the parks I go to. I think the rangers don’t like advertising them because, as I am sure you know, there is always some idiot who thinks they can transplant them to their backyard.