trying hard (again)

[cristen]

Camera Canon EOS 500D w/ +4 and +10 close up filters
Exposure 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture f/22.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

I've always felt I never improved on my focus issues. Nevertheless, I still like this shot coz it showed a beautiful gradient in the colors of the petals. My focal point though, is the pistil. It has washed-out edges, I know, but have I at least succeeded in showing some of it's parts? Someone said it looked like an oil painting.. (meaning it isn't clear at all...LOL)
Does this picture have any redeeming points? TFL.

[chicagojohn]

Originally Posted by cristen

Camera Canon EOS 500D w/ +4 and +10 close up filters
Exposure 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture f/22.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

I've always felt I never improved on my focus issues. Nevertheless, I still like this shot coz it showed a beautiful gradient in the colors of the petals. My focal point though, is the pistil. It has washed-out edges, I know, but have I at least succeeded in showing some of it's parts? Someone said it looked like an oil painting.. (meaning it isn't clear at all...LOL)
Does this picture have any redeeming points? TFL.

As for the oil painting aspect being inherently unclear, Cristen, I think maybe Leonardo (and modern representational artists) may be turning over in his(their) grave(s) right about now. -- the dead ones, that is.

My humble opinion would be that its redeeming points are pretty much as you said; the exquisite focus upon the pistil, as I always appreciate, and the very attractive color contrast.

Along with you, I like this shot too.

[cristen]

thanks for liking the shot, CJ.

i've been following a thread here (with your comments, of course) started by shelbyyy. you've been talking about extension tubes and 50 mm lens for taking macro shots. i await with much interest the shots that you promise to post using those gears.

[Jo.T]

Hi Cristen, I like you shot to and a little boost in PP will help bring your center out more and maybe crop some of the left side about where the white between the petals starts to widen and just a bit across the bottom.
50mm and extention tubes i have used these it was my next step from kit lenses and diopters (+1+2+3) I personally found them to restrictive and was always having to change tubes which is not good in the feild as you have to be very careful not to get dust in your camera. Bees and butterflies ect are to hard to get (if at all) with this set up as you have to get so close. My flicker page i have all three, the set called "Pt Lincoln National park Macro" is done with a kit lense and diopters and the set "Flowers/ Macro" the first 14 rows is done with my Tamron 90mm macro (which i luv)the rest are with 50mm and tubes. The last two rows im not sure,i really should delete but it is nice to see where we started.
If you dont have a 50mm already i personally would skip that, the money you are going to spend on a 50mm and say kenko extention tubes you may as well buy a macro lense. Wait until the bug has well and truely bitten and you know you are going to do lots of it then look at your macro options.
look forward to seeing more posts from you, have fun and keep shooting

[cristen]

Originally Posted by chicagojohn

As for the oil painting aspect being inherently unclear, Cristen, I think maybe Leonardo (and modern representational artists) may be turning over in his(their) grave(s) right about now. -- the dead ones, that is.

I hope they don't turn from their graves. That would be scary Thanks again for keeping my spirits up, CJ.

[cristen]

Originally Posted by Jo.T

Hi Cristen, I like you shot to and a little boost in PP will help bring your center out more and maybe crop some of the left side about where the white between the petals starts to widen and just a bit across the bottom.

TFL, Jo.T. Will try your suggestions, even though I am still in the first grade in PP. LOL

I also visit your account in Flickr to learn more about macro shots using those gears.