Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III__TS-E90mm f/2.8__f / 32__ISO 100
Here is another image in my new Cally Lily series, this one from the third day of this setup. As with the previous image, this photograph was made with Photomatix, this time with seven exposures. The morning sun is coming through my window from the upper left hand corner. I first saw this lighting effect on the previous morning, unplanned and unexpected, but I was so revved up I blew the composition. So I noted the time in the EXIF data and returned to try again the next morning. I didn’t move the large blossom, but needed to create better spacing between it and the small flower.
John and I have been using Adobe Photoshop CS5 for about one week, including HDR Pro. I think it has great potential but we haven’t fully explored it yet. More on that later…
I look forward to your comments. Let me know which one you prefer!
Cheers,
Bill
June 10, 2010 at 8:17 PM
I really love the effect in the light of the stamen and all of the details really speak to me of the delicate beauty of the flower. I love HDR and find that I too have some learning to do in CS5 HDR Pro. I love the simplicity and exquisiteness of the image.
May 14, 2010 at 9:34 AM
Thanks Gina!
Hi Ed, John’s comments do a good job of explaining the need for multiple exposures. Although the extra data might not be necessary to create a adequate version of this image, since we are often asked for very large prints, 26×40 and up, experience teaches me that the extra quality and data make the difference between good quality and excellent quality.
Cheers, Bill
May 12, 2010 at 6:56 AM
the image is lovely … not matter how on earth you got there …
lovely >>> Gina
May 11, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Hi Ed,
Not to speak for Bill, but having worked on these images, I can tell you without a doubt that HDR was needed. What may be hard to recognize is the “spotlight” hitting the back of the stamen on the closest Calla Lily. Much brighter than even the lightest tones on the back lily. As for 7 exposures vs. less; more exposures at a closer interval (i.e. 1 stop brackets instead of 2) will give you much smoother transitions and a much nicer file to work with. Especially if you’re going for a realistic approach.
I’m sure Bill will have more to add, but I hope this helps clear a couple things up.
May 11, 2010 at 4:24 PM
Since you want the background dark and the tonal range of the rest of the scene – the flowers/stems – is likely within the dynamic range of your sensor, I’m not sure why HDR is needed – much less seven exposures. If you expose for the brightest portion of the scene and simply let the dark background fall where it may, what does that image look like? Seems that it would be very close to what you show here. No? If not, it seems that the slightest bit of dodging on the darker flower parts should suffice.