Spent Azalea Stamen & "The Cradle Method."

[Michael Brown]

Hello everyone!

This is a older image of a spent azalea stamen.
I used the method of attaching a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens in reverse to the Canon 100mm macro.
A tripod, macro slider, cable release, and various reflectors are almost always needed for images such as this.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/5556792-lg.jpg

Also, while shooting various subjects out in nature and especially in the world of macro, I have always found it beneficial for the image to have a bit of what I call, "the cradle method" applied. Does not work well with all subjects, but certainly adds a certain appeal to many of them when viewed.
Of course I could not add all the images here, and you can view the other images/examples along with what I have written recently in my journal on this subject.
Hopefully it may help someone in their own explorations within this world of ours!
http://macroartinnature.wordpress.com/2007/01/29/using-the-cradle-method-in-photography/

Everyone take care, ... and thanks for looking!

[Saralonde]

Wow, beautiful shot, Michael. I love the delicate little stamen in all that softness, any other background would have been to harsh for the little fella. I read your article on the Cradle method. Thanks, it makes me view things in another way.:)

[NaturesPixel]

mmm thank you Mike .. i always love your work...

Question tho mate.. ok.. soo there are lots of peeps.. with out a lot of $$ nots saying you got loads.. but we are starting out .. can we use Alfoil for reflectors..??

[Michael Brown]

Thanks ladies! :)

Leisa, I am a bit behind on my promise for the info on reflectors, etc., because I am still trying to come up with the right pics to illustrate what I am talking about.

Yes, you can use foil. I do!
Also, there are things that you can use that you might already have in your kitchen. Paper plates?
Window screening?
Wax paper?

Got any stuff from your old doll collection laying around? :D
Oh, and yeah, ..... I go to the dollar store a lot too!

Yep, ... I am cheap, cause I just can't see paying a bunch of money for something that I already have here at home, and something that I could easily slip down into my pockets when I am out in the field.

Will fill you in soon.
Already have part of it saved up in my drafts folder, and just trying to get the pics in order.

Stay tuned!

[NaturesPixel]

Thanks Mike :)

yep i spend a lot ion teh dollor store looking for little objects to photography for my stock...lol hmm i didnt do dolls. i was to busy with gymnastics for my state...

what i would like to see is how you have it all set up.. i mean the reflectors.. the lights....???
i know how your camera looks but maybe others would like to see a shot of that to... to give them ideas....

[Saralonde]

Thanks Mike :)

what i would like to see is how you have it all set up.. i mean the reflectors.. the lights....???
i know how your camera looks but maybe others would like to see a shot of that to... to give them ideas....

That would be really nice. I'm always struggling with lighting, so it would be great to see how you do this.

[NaturesPixel]

hmmm i tried this the lighting is not good.. i shoudl maybe take it down to my mini light tent studio if i stopped being so lazy...lol here is my attempt :)

http://static.flickr.com/136/382944396_9f1e412381.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/78149108@N00/382944396/)

no where as good as urs tho mike

[Michael Brown]

no where as good as urs tho mike

Girl, ... you should not even think like that! :)

The one thing that caught my eye right from the start with your image, and something that is not always easy to achieve, is the well defined line/detail on the outer edge of the droplet of water.
Personally, I think that is what sets many images such as this one apart from the rest. That defined edge caught my eyes immediately, and is what pulled me in to the image. It has that certain amount of impact, and that is what you want.

I think a ever so slight hint of curves to brighten it up a bit might give it some added pop, and maybe a ever so slight "dodge" within the upper left edge, but still, ... this is fine as is!

Cheers M8t, ..... you certainly did good with this one!!! :)

(Oh yeah, ... finally got your link added. I'm so far behind!)

[NaturesPixel]

I think a ever so slight hint of curves to brighten it up a bit might give it some added pop, and maybe a ever so slight "dodge" within the upper left edge, but still, ... this is fine as is!



(Oh yeah, ... finally got your link added. I'm so far behind!)

ok see i didn't brighten it cause on my new monitor it looks bright.... and im scared to over brighten...lol

anyway i redid .. it

http://static.flickr.com/175/383128262_ef7a64fcf9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturespixel/383128262/)


awww and thanks for the link mate :)

[Michael Brown]

Ah yes, ... it has a more inviting feel to it now. Well, at least it does to me! :)
The overall adjustment really works well in this piece, and the dodging takes away that bit of a distraction that was in the corner.
Very nice!

Keep shooting these Leisa!!

[NaturesPixel]

aww thanks Michael .. appreciate the feedback :)

and i will continue shooting these :)