Regardless of subject, sometimes the simplest approach is the best. It is often said that the difference between a painter and a photographer is that the painter starts with an empty palette and adds, while the photographer starts with a full palette and has to decide what to eliminate.
Deciding what to eliminate can be daunting. How much is too much? Is what you are eliminating a benefit to the image? How do you decide what to do?
The simple answer is trial and error. Try many different views, and look for a line or a shape or a color combination that pleases you. After surveying the subject from a variety of angles, take many images and then decide later what works best for you. Often it is easier to determine the best shots only after you have downloaded them onto your computer and can review them at your leisure.
In this image, notice how the elements are arranged. The red center of the hibiscus becomes the center of interest, and is placed far to the right and low in the frame for impact. The gentle curves lead the eye toward the center of interest, and add an overall flow.
Also notice that this is a minimalist image - only 2 colors, a few curves of the petals, and a semi-circular "starburst" of red. Less is more, and when composed effectively, a small handful of elements can make for nice images.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Shutter Speed 1/640 sec. Aperture: f/3.5. ISO 400. Lens: Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS macro. Camera: Canon 7D Mark II. Handheld.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "Simplicity is the glory of expression." - Walt Whitman
I haven't commented lately because "this is beautiful" would just be so redundant after a while. But really...this IS beautiful. I love the colors and the composition and the tightly cropped image is just the kind of thing I love to do, sometimes almost to a fault.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great comment, Linda! Have missed hearing from you, and I don't mind at all a series of redundant "this is beautiful" comments! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the image struck a chord with you.