High-Key Rose

[T.R.R]

So I like taking pictures of Rose and flowers in general, but I have been getting bored with it lately. So, lately I have been coming up with some ideas to make it more interesting. So this is the first one I came up with, a High-Key Rose. So what do you think overall? How are the colors? Focus? Does it work overall? Of course any other critique is always welcome, as with any comments you want to make.

Thanks
Mike

[Up North Photos]

well the overexposure sure did a nice job of flattening the colors and diffused the bright reds of the rose. I like the settings you chose overall i can appreciate the high-key in it's totallity.

[Sterling]

That's not high key. There are plenty of mid and dark tones in this photo. A blown out background does not make a photo high key.

[T.R.R]

Originally Posted by Sterling

That's not high key. There are plenty of mid and dark tones in this photo. A blown out background does not make a photo high key.

High Key doesn't mean that the image cannot contain tonality, it just means the image is brightly light, with no shadows, and suppressed contrast. Doesn't mean that it cannot not contain any contrast, mids or dark tones. If you search the net for definition or examples, you can see this image is well with in the constrains of High Key photography.

What is High Key Photography?

High key photography uses unnaturally bright lighting to blow out most or all harsh shadows in an image. High key methods were originally developed as a solution to screens that couldn’t properly display high contrast ratios, but has developed into more of a stylistic choice.

High key images usually convey a positive or upbeat tone. This method is perfect for a subject that is funny, lighthearted or beautiful.
The Complete Beginner?s Guide to Shooting High Key

[Nicole Hanna]

I'm in love with the composition and negative space of this photo. The flannel adds nice contrast to the red of the rose, but also, adds texture. The petals are soft, and the fabric adds variety. I'm also a huge fan of intentional over-exposure in general. Well thought out final image.

[SusanH1970]

Agreed with Sterling - this is not high-key. In looking to word my own explanation, I found a few quotes that said it nicely:

Quoted: "The confusion arises because some (most?) people think that high key images are ones taken against a light background, or overexposed images with blown highlights."

Quoted: "High key is when the majority of the image is is taken in tones that are greater than 18% grey if you greyscaled it."

[T.R.R]

Nicole Hanna- Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad I got something right.

SusanH1970- I guess I should just refer to it as, Over-Exposed. Since calling it High-Key is not going to fly.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by T.R.R

SusanH1970- I guess I should just refer to it as, Over-Exposed. Since calling it High-Key is not going to fly.

It's not overexposed. There's a white background, but the rose and fabric are anything but.

High-key is tricky and something I'd love to learn to do - I just don't have the lighting equipment for it yet!

[T.R.R]

Okay so let me ask you this, Does the image work? Even if it doesn't quite fall in the realm? I personally like the image. I wanted to do something out of the norm with the rose. I personaly like the bright background, and not really overexposed flower and scarf. What do you think? I'm interested to hear your view, since you have been willing to chat with me.

[SusanH1970]

To be quite honest, it doesn't do much for me - but if you like it, then so be it. My opinion doesn't matter.

I know I have tons of photos I love that other people can't stand. Photography is subjective, and just because not everyone likes it doesn't mean you shouldn't.