Calypso Orchid

Critiques [Translate]

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• loot (9407)
• [2006-04-19 0:17]
• [4] [+]

Hi Lori
Congratulations on your success. It is a lovely flower and you managed to capture it pretty well.
Having said that though, please forgive me if I might sound nit picking, but next time you get the opportunity to photograph this flower, 'order' some light to go with it. At f/3 and 1/30 shutter speed it seems that you had some rather bad light to work with although judging by the BG is looks like there was ample light. So I am a little confused why the shutter speed went so low with such a wide aperture. A little fill-in flash could have benefited the shot as you needed to get some more DOF to get the flower completely in focus.
I would like to refer you to a critique I did for Alp Capa (ArcapA) which you can see here. Also read the reply I gave to his reply. Maybe that might help you somewhat. I realise that the advice given there sounds mostly like it is only applicable in a studio type environment, but I am sure there is sufficient other info that could benefit you.
Go for it and I am waiting to see the improved version.
Well done though and I hope I did not dampen your spirit. Please see this as a postive critique to try and help.
Friendly regards
Loot

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• Wahclellaspirit (299)
• [2006-04-19 0:18]

Lori,
I liked the Whoo Hooo !!! You have indeed captured this beautiful Orchid. It reminds me of an octopus when you look at its markings. A very beautiful flower and you have chose the right combinations to capture this photo in the right light.
Very good,
Steve

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• j_wyatt (1225)
• [2006-04-19 0:19]
• [3]

Definitely not an easy flower to photograph as we both know well. This one is much better than the last one, but the front petal is a bit out of focus. The bottom portion of the flower though looks perfect, nice sharpness. Maybe someone who is a professional can show us how it is really done with this difficult flower. I still wonder WHY is this flower so hard to get a good photo of???? Your photo is the best yet though!

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• AdrianW (710)
• [2006-04-19 9:52]
• [2] [+]

Good shot! You've captured this Calypso nicely - I'd love to see one in the wild at some point, they're so beautiful... DOF is a little shallow, but that's out of your control - and to be expected in the poor light. I do wish the tip of that top petal were in fully in the frame though! Also consider altering the white balance in conditions like these - setting it to shade or cloudy would probably result in a less bluish colour pallette. Anyway, it's a nice capture - and a useful note too :-D

P.S. Following on from Loot's excellent advice - you can use the flash, but I suggest you stick some tissue paper over it for closeups - it'll reduce the power output and diffuse the light. Experiment with the flash modes too, I think you'll probably find that fill-in would probably be best. Obviously the ideal option is to find a nicely lit one though ;) Also think about investing in a reflector (like this one), they're relatively cheap and work with any camera! I suggest you experiment on a flower on the table at home - saves on your knees, and means you can look at the pictures instantly too ;)

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• Janice (17794)
• [2006-04-22 17:34]
• [2]

Lori, I love the colour and its patterns, and I'd love to see it growing au naturelle like this. And interesting to read how the plants and fungi work together to keep on going. Amazing how nature works together. And I'm pleased they can't get dug up and taken home... I was thinking about that.
This is beautiful, and I'd be thrilled to get one like this, well done,
Janice

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• oscarromulus (4766)
• [2007-04-15 12:36]
• - [workshop] [compare] [+]

Lori,
Many years ago we saw these, in the wild, in Iguacu, Brazil. We registered 8 photos on an Ilford 35 mm. film.
The result is that the film, over time, became 'grainy'; that destroyed the images almost totally.
When I saw this one I was filled with delight.
You did a great job. CONGRATULATIONS.!!!
I'd like to venture a W/S. Hope you dont mind.
I shall delete it at once if it offends you.
Am going to try to encrease the DOF, sharpen the front petal and B/G slightly; this action may "revive" the focus and brighten the colours. Am still learning about this great hobby of ours.
Friendly greetings from Canada from Mario.

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• balayage (8)
• [2007-06-08 3:57]

A rare find indeed. There are few places in Ontario, where I live, where these grow. I have only seen one myself and was thrilled.
After looking up the camera you used I am totally amazed at this photo. Except for a little softness on the ends of a few petals this is an excellent photo of a difficult flower because of its small size.
Balayage

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• Lyndall (70)
• [2008-04-18 3:33]

Hi Lori
I think this is a great capture, and from what you say, it was difficult to photograph well. Lovely colour and markings on the flower. I would like to see one growing in the wild. TFS
Lyndall

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• fragman (12122)
• [2008-07-24 23:54]
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