B&W Flower C&C

mommyphotog · Apr 23, 2011

Took this at a flower garden here in Maryland. Love it in B&W. Let me know what you think.
1.

KevinPutman · Apr 23, 2011

I think the brightness could be upped a bit, right now it's kind of dull. I really like the flower, but it's hard to tell where it ends and the one behind it behind (that could just be the brightness again).

Partinobodycular · Apr 23, 2011

mommyphotog said:
Took this at a flower garden here in Maryland. Love it in B&W. Let me know what you think.
1.

102b by bettylou0329, on Flickr

At first glance Kevin is correct, there doesn't seem to be enough contrast between the flower and the background, but after looking at this photo a bit further, the background isn't really the problem. The problem is the battle that is going on for the eye's attention. The obvious focal point is the lower left flower. But the leaf on the right, and the upper flower and its' stem, keep distracting my eye, making it hard for the lower flower to get the undivided attention that it needs. It's good to have balancing details in a photo to enhance it, but you don't want them to be too strong, or they distract the eye from the intended focal point, and that is what I think is occuring here.

A different cropping might improve this somewhat, but from looking at the photo, the upper flower is about right to add a good balance, but the dark leaf and stem are just too strong. I really think that the lower flower and the background look good together, but without some serious PS this just isn't the awesome shot that it could be. But it's got some really good aspects to it.

At least that's my opinion

lyonsroar · Apr 23, 2011

The abosolute most important thing (IMO of course) in B&W flower photos in contrast. I don't think this one has enough (contrast that is) to show the textures and give the picture depth.
Here's one of my B&W's.
Lily B&W | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Miladymimi · Apr 23, 2011

I like it. If the background were darker I think it would look more dramatic, but as for the dogwoods themselves, I like the their soft elegance. It's how a dogwood should look. They are not a hard edged type of flower. Just my opinion.

mommyphotog · Apr 23, 2011

Thanks for the respsonces. I will definitly keep that in mind for next time.

JWellman · Apr 23, 2011

lyonsroar said:
The abosolute most important thing (IMO of course) in B&W flower photos in contrast. I don't think this one has enough (contrast that is) to show the textures and give the picture depth.
Here's one of my B&W's.
Lily B&W | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Love your work but not sure I like that one. Prolly just me... :sexywink:

lyonsroar · Apr 23, 2011

JWellman said:
lyonsroar said:

The abosolute most important thing (IMO of course) in B&W flower photos in contrast. I don't think this one has enough (contrast that is) to show the textures and give the picture depth.
Here's one of my B&W's.
Lily B&W | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Click to expand...

Love your work but not sure I like that one. Prolly just me...

That is my most popular picture I've ever taken. Can't say it's my favorite either, but it sure gets a lot of comments when framed and on a wall.

JWellman · Apr 23, 2011

lyonsroar said:
That is my most popular picture I've ever taken. Can't say it's my favorite either, but it sure gets a lot of comments when framed and on a wall.

I figured it was just me. I love the detail that it shows but Lilies are so beautiful and white... I guess that's what I don't like... the color.