NikonGear'23

Images => Critique => Topic started by: Lowell on June 17, 2015, 23:06:43

Title: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Lowell on June 17, 2015, 23:06:43

My take on a this delicate wildflower which is now in bloom in the alpine settings near our home.  There is a cluster of these plants (2mx5m) with hundreds of blossoms near a hiking trail head.  The day was overcast and the blossoms had opened up by 10 am.  Taken with the D800 with a 300mm F/4 lens mounted.  Processed to preserve the pastel color.

CC  Please,

Lowell

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 18, 2015, 00:54:37

Shining light into my eyes. Thank you.

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Lowell on June 18, 2015, 05:47:57

Thanks Frank,

These flowers are delicately beautiful to me.  The stacks are very thin so that the slightest breeze moves them.

Lowell

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Gary on June 18, 2015, 06:05:33

Wow ... I love flowers with long lenses. Well done!

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 18, 2015, 08:40:08

the clarity can only be achieved after the rain, but it has to have rained before the flowers open not to wet the sensitive surface plus you need great equipment low wind and very good support for the camera. Generally Michal Eearlwine is able to pull something like this off, not many others. I shot some bees in flight (see other thread) but there was a lot of wind and it does not make much sense to have a great camera support if the subject is moving...

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Lowell on June 18, 2015, 16:52:17

Thank you gentlemen,

I wanted the isolation and smooth bokeh with the 300mm lens.  The patch of Blue Flax was very busy, so I wanted the blossoms in isolation with minimal distraction of the background.  The beauty of the flower speaks for itself.

Lowell

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Michael Erlewine on June 18, 2015, 17:02:52

Nice!

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: pluton on June 21, 2015, 19:44:40

Most "straight" flower shots---including my own--- put me to sleep, but this is most pleasant.  Thanks for posting.

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Lowell on June 21, 2015, 22:49:30

Keith,

Thanks.  For me, the inclusion of some of the blossoms which are not yet open and the gentleness of retaining the pale colors helps avoid the "straight" flower shot.  I am learning not to give into my inclination to just show a flower.  I do love flowers and they have an intrinsic beauty but I'm trying to make my photos show more.

Regards,

Lowell

Title: Re: Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii)
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 22, 2015, 13:12:02

Very nicely done Lowell.