Tag Archives: flowers

Photographer’s Choice – Judi Brown

Good Composition, Excellent Focus and Lovely “Bokeh”

Judi Brown - Yellow Goat's Beard

Judi Brown – Yellow Goat’s Beard

Judi is not only one of the newer members of the ACC but a recent transplant to Ashe County. Judging by the quality of this image, she brings a great deal of photographic talent to both the Club and the County. It’s somewhat amazing how this rural, somewhat remote area manages to continue to attract so many talented newcomers. This photograph was taken at Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone during a recent Flower Photo Stroll led by member Bill Barbour. The yellow goat’s beard is sharply focused and the bright yellow truly stands out against the dark green, softly diffused background. There are no elements included that detract from the main focal point. Shifting the image off center to the right is simply the best approach.
Congratulations to Judi for having the courage as a new member to step forward and share her work with everyone.
Canon EOS 5d
Lens: Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD
Focal Length: 119mm
Exposure: 1/800 sec at f/6.3
ISO: 100

Photographer’s Choice – Phyllis Baynes

What Makes This Image Special?

Phyllis Baynes - Mammoth Rose Peony

Phyllis Baynes – Mammoth Rose Peony

A flower garden in full bloom is an irresistible target for most photographers with the vibrant colors and easy access usually only a few steps away from the front door. The challenge is to capture something that makes your photo unique and stand out from the other millions taken every year. Not an easy feat to accomplish.
Phyllis had just purchased a new Pentax K-5 16.3 megapixel camera and was anxious to put it through its paces. Her mother’s garden in Warrensville provided that opportunity. The above is the result. Does it pass the test of being “outstanding” compared to the usual? If so, what are the elements that make it so? The light is soft, with no harsh shadows or bright, washed out highlights. The saturation of the color is vibrant but natural without passing into that area where it looks forced. The use of an aperture of f/2.8 in combination with a focal length of 135mm provided a narrow depth of field for a soft transition from the sharp focus area to the background. And yes, the background, or “bokeh”, is perfect-dark and soft with nothing to detract from the main subject and yet it complements the vivid color of the peony. The hint of pink in the upper left corner and the soft green foliage appear natural and pleasing to the eye. As usual when all things come together like this, perhaps a little luck comes into play as the horizontal light green foliage provides a base to support the blossom. At least to this viewer’s eye, this image passes the test of being “outstanding”.