apple blossom edits

[mapgirl]

I know that there is a lot of emphasis on getting photos to "pop" with heightened contrast and saturated colors (and I like the effect too), but I think I'm more partial to number one here maybe because the softer light of early spring on these apple blossoms seems more apparent to me. . . . Although, now that I've looked at the Preview of my post I'm not sure of that at all. What do you all think? Thanks!





Camera: Canon Rebel XTi
Lens: Canon 60mm macro
Exposure: 1/250th
ISO: 200
F-stop: f/4.50
flash not fired

[jiminyClickit]

mapgirl,

The first image is good, and still retains detail that gets lost in the second one. Pop is overrated, and subtle is more difficult to control. I'd hope you continue to explore both techniques, and try to use each on appropriate subjects. Here, I like the softer subtle blossoms. Terrific background, too.

[wulf]

Going for oversaturation can have merits and the second image definitely looks more "funky" but I think "dreamy" is probably the better choice to aim for with an image like this. Try a translucent blurred layer in "screen" mode and see what you think (BTW, what image processing software do you have available?).

Wulf

[mapgirl]

Thank you both for your comments. And, yes JiminyC., I definitely want to experiment more in PostP. Thank you for you kind words about the background. I've been trying to pay more attention to getting that right in my macros.
Wulf, I'll give the translucent blurred layer a try (I'll need to read up on where that is and how to implement it first ). I use PhotoShop Elements 7.0 But this is great. I have an excuse to learn a new technique. By the way--and this is off the topic--but I've meant to tell you that your "High ISO" assignment (the shot of a witch hazel just beginning to bloom) convinced me that I had to get into macro shooting. It's such a gorgeous shot. (and it made me want to have one in the garden for next year!).