C&C on a few black n' white shots

[Compaq]

It's easier to get a clean and non-destructive background in B&W, I believe. The petals in lower rught in second shot is slightly annoying. Shot in RAW, pp done in Elements 9. Are they slightly underexposed?

1/100th, ISO100 and f/2 on first

1/640th, ISO100 and f/1.8 on second

Lightening: ambient
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#1

IMG_0342_edited-1 by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

#2

IMG_0365_edited-1 by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

-Compaq

 

[Muusers]

I like 1. more than 2. even though the background is a lot busier. Maybe a bit of fill light could make it better, but it's not underexposed.

 

[PhotoTish]

I like them. I prefer the stronger contrast in photo 1 :thumbup:

 

[KenC]

The petals in lower left in second shot is slightly annoying.

The angle is also not that good - the middle of the flower is partially obscured. #1, however is quite nice. There are a few distracting elements in the background, mostly in the lower left, and to some extent the dark spots on the right, but with a little selective lightening/darkening and/or cloning, this could be much improved.

 

[Compaq]

Thank you for comments

I also like the first one the best. When you say angle, do you mean if I could somehow get a "straighter" angle, a little more direct into the centre? If so, I see what you mean

Thanks again

 

[KenC]

When you say angle, do you mean if I could somehow get a "straighter" angle, a little more direct into the centre?

Yes. This is not to say that shooting flowers from this angle never works; I just didn't think it did with this particular flower

 

[SoonerBJJ]

I really like #1. The exposure, contrast and background work for me.

#2 is okay. I like the contrast but would like a better angle and that leaf out of the lower left corner.

 

[Compaq]

Okay, so I tried to bring out more detail in the second one by burning a little. How's this, did it improve it? There's more contrast, which I feel is good, but it got a "pp-look" to it, it doesn't look that natural any more. Perhaps I just need to work on my pp skillz.


IMG_0365_edited-3 by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

 

[Muusers]

Okay, so I tried to bring out more detail in the second one by burning a little. How's this, did it improve it? There's more contrast, which I feel is good, but it got a "pp-look" to it, it doesn't look that natural any more. Perhaps I just need to work on my pp skillz.


IMG_0365_edited-3 by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

Much better. I think you didn't take it too far with the PP look either (and I hate the PP-look especially HDRs).