Soft purple

SquarePeg · Aug 2, 2016

sort of an abstract macro using my new 105mm 2.8

soft purple by SharonCat..., on Flickr

This was taken at 1/50, f/3.5 and I made a lot of color and exposure adjustments in post. There's something about it that I really like.

KenC · Aug 2, 2016

I'm with you on the shallow DOF and the color scheme, but the underside of the flower in the lower left really detracts for me. It's as sharp as the center of the flower and pulls me away for that reason, especially the little bit of stem on the lower edge. I think it works if you crop the left side just enough to get rid of that bit on the edge - that, or crop the bottom a bit so you don't have to crop as much on the left to get rid of the underside.

JustJazzie · Aug 2, 2016

I love it!! So soft and easy on the eyes. Lovely!

SquarePeg · Aug 2, 2016

KenC said:
I'm with you on the shallow DOF and the color scheme, but the underside of the flower in the lower left really detracts for me. It's as sharp as the center of the flower and pulls me away for that reason, especially the little bit of stem on the lower edge. I think it works if you crop the left side just enough to get rid of that bit on the edge - that, or crop the bottom a bit so you don't have to crop as much on the left to get rid of the underside.

I agree with your point about the stem being a distraction so I gave a shot at removing that. I also lightened the line on that one petal so it would blend better. I looked a it cropped but removing that curve at lower left changed the whole thing too much. I'm still inexperienced at that type of post processing but I think it came out ok. What do you think?

soft purple2 by SharonCat..., on Flickr

oldhippy · Aug 2, 2016

Love that soft look.

SquarePeg · Aug 2, 2016

JustJazzie said:
I love it!! So soft and easy on the eyes. Lovely!

oldhippy said:
Love that soft look.

Thank you!

KenC · Aug 4, 2016

SquarePeg said:
What do you think?

soft purple2 by SharonCat..., on Flickr

Yeah, that works much better for me. I might still get rid of a little bit on the left, but that's probably just me.

Dagwood56 · Aug 4, 2016

I agree with Ken, I'd take a bit off the left side. I'm someone who prefers square crops and I think this would work better if slightly more square. I love the delicate look tot his and the soft pastel coloring.