Flash Silhouettes

[sana]

Where I took it: in eastern outskirts of Belgrade, Serbia, 2 min walk from my apartment.
Gear: just Canon Powershot S3 IS
Settings:

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture: f/2.7

Focal Length: 6 mm

Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV

Flash: Flash fired, auto mode, red-eye reduction

Post processing: none, this is straight from the camera.

Canon S3 IS does not decrease the DOF on larger apertures much, so f/2.7 worked well here – all branches are pretty sharp. There could be no focusing, it was too dark (one more reason for increased DOF). Shooting this in auto mode and even without focusing makes it as simple as it can possibly get!

So, this isn’t about an interesting technique – it’s more about the idea. I’ve been drawn to trees as long as I can remember. I also photograph it often, but they rarely come out as interesting as they are in the nature. Here, the high contrast between illuminated branches and the black background maximizes the structure and the spreading of the branches, giving the tree the vivid impression of movement. All disturbing elements in the background visible in the daylight (street, buildings, cars, other trees) are eliminated.

All the branches are almost equally illuminated, and there isn’t much depth in the photo. It’s all about the pattern here. I needed to choose the branch that is not too busy with smaller branches, also the one that is not too close to the ground or other elements in the background that could be illuminated by the flash. Also, I made sure that the closest branches are approximately at the same distance from the flash.

There are also interesting post processing tricks that can be done later with this kind of photos. When I lowered the midtones in some of them, the further branches appeared darker, and the colors came up stronger. That added the depth to the photos, and also defined the structure of the branches closer to the camera, undisturbed by the branches in the background.

The cloning of the unwanted branches is very easy. Also, playing with curves, changing the tones of illumination can give interesting results.

On this photo for example I lowered mid tones; I also darkened few overly exposed spots, cloned some branches off and increased saturation a bit.



You can see some more of these of photos on my Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/99114645@N00/. I really had a great time taking and editing the photos. Also I’ve been wondering if this ‘flash silhouettes technique’ can be applied to something else than just trees… Any idea?
Any C&C of the photos are welcome too. Thanks!

[mikem12188]

Sana,
Darkening the overly exposed shots on the second picture make it the better of the two, but I like both. You are another person who has the courage to go out and try new things and use your imagination. I'm still trying to develop mine. Great work.

[Darren Rowse]

nice work Sana - will feature this one on the blog in the coming days.

[sana]

Thank you Darren, that is really great priviledge. I'm glad you like it.

Mike, it does take courage to keep flashing out in the dark in front of confused neighbours... Thanks for your kind comment!

[mdwsta4]

i like the idea, but i would dial down the exposure compensation on the flash (you can do that with the S3). most of what you captured is severly overexposed. it would be a lot more powerful if the tree weren't as bright and had more detail/contrast in it.

[sana]

Originally Posted by mdwsta4

i like the idea, but i would dial down the exposure compensation on the flash (you can do that with the S3). most of what you captured is severly overexposed. it would be a lot more powerful if the tree weren't as bright and had more detail/contrast in it.

Thanks mdwsta4, I think I know what you're aiming at. I do have 1 or 2 shots that are not overexposed and they do have a charisma of their own, it's different but still powerful. Now I think maybe the second shot would be better taken that way in the first place (instead of decreasing the exposure in post processing). I tried to darken the first photo too but the less interesting branches came up brighter, so I like it better like this - overexposed and flat.

I knew somehow that overexposure would be an issue. Frankly, I was going for it, and I really like the effect of it in the photos. That's why I named them silhouettes. Just as the daylight silhouettes are overly underexposed, these are overexposed by flash.

Now I'm being curious how right or wrong that is, technically speaking. It's not that I mind crossing the line, but I'd still like to know where it is. I know that overexposed daylight photos are technically considered damaged and are discarded in most cases. Only artistic photos are alowed to have burnouts... But what about the night photos? What about car light tracks, images drawn with light?...

Anyhow, I will try what you suggested, it's a good idea. I'm also thinking of shooting trees with slightly longer exposure and slow sinc flash (I'm gonna need a tripod for that) ...

[mikem12188]

Sana,

I think that line is wherever you want it to be. I know we all post photos here for critiques and comments, but the one thing I have learned is, what is important to me and did I get the look I was hoping for. No matter how many people look at my photos, some people will like some and other people won't. At this point in my life, I don't look at photography as something I want to do for a living, it's just a hobby I'm trying to get better at, and that includes finding my own style.

[mikeandsouth]

Dunno if ya think this is any good. I think it is, but I suppose it's probarbly just because it's a good pic of me and my best mate. (drunk might i add!)

Sorry i just realised that this isn't a discussion in general is it, it's particualr to yuor shots? well i'll leave it there seeing as it's only the link

[sana]

mikeandsouth, nice photo, I like it. And it would probably look even better without the "add" part... Welcome to forums!

[jiminyClickit]

sana,

Got a look at your original with fresh eyes, reminds me very much of old quiltwork, early decorative patterns handsewn. Pleasant memory.