Learning continues ...

[Ivy Dude]

• ILCE-7RM4
• FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
• 90.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/125 sec
• ISO 100

 

[AlphaWorld]

I would have used a different colour background - I think that colour is too bright for the flowers.

 

[Ivy Dude]

Thank you so much. Your suggestion is very good. I think a black or dark gray would have been better.

 

[AlphaWorld]

Thank you so much. Your suggestion is very good. I think a black or dark gray would have been better.

White or cream would also be good - it would emphasise the flowers, but not wipe out the distinctive shape of the vase. Especially if you use the same lighting - I appreciate the lighting from both sides because it makes the shape of the vase more obvious and brings out the texture of its finish. Side lighting can be less flattering for people for the same reason, but here it's a plus.

 

[Ivy Dude]

Okay.

 

[Landshark99]

actually I do not mind the starkness of the red background

 

[Ivy Dude]

Interestingly all the people (including members of a local photogrphy club) that I showed this picture to liked it and suggested not to change the background. Their logic is that red, yellow and white provide the best complimenting contrast. That was the reason that I initially chose the red background.

But I am going to shoot it with a different color background as well and see the result (as suggested by AlphaWorld). Learning is a continuum and I am enjoying it. Looking forward to buying a new Sony lens 24-70mm/2.8 II. Shooting landscapes will be a lot of fun.

Many thanks to you all.

 

[AlphaWorld]

Way way back (almost 20 years ago) I had a fairly entry level Canon DSLR (nothing like your A7IV), and I bought the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L lens - first premium lens I'd ever bought. That was the turning point. That was where the hobby got serious, and expensive! It caused me to buy the first 5D (major step up from the DSLR I had - kinda like your A7IV).

You could turn back! You could save yourself! The 20-70mm f/4 G is considerably less money (and it's a fine lens). But if you want to, the 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is a very good lens indeed. Just beware that once you get a taste for fine glass, well, slippery slope...

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On the subject of colour - my personal theory / idea (not based on any formal training) is that I try to keep to one "loud" colour in a scene unless every colour is "loud". More than one is distracting / clashing (and certain combinations are downright unpleasant). So with that red background, I'd have gone with something like cream flowers or brown branches in a cream vase (the existing vase) - quiet colours so the background dominates.

You are taking what I think is the right approach: try things and learn! Develop your own style, and never be afraid to try new things. Oh, and have fun doing it!

 

[Ivy Dude]

Thank you so much.

 

[Richard A]

Way way back (almost 20 years ago)

20 years ago - that's not way, way back! That's just a little while ago!

Back to the topic though. I don't mind the red background beside the fact it is burning my retinas! I think it would be ok if you toned it down a bit. Or quite a lot. Experiment. I would also try to remove at least some of the red reflected in the vase. Just my thoughts.

I have the 24-70mm/2.8 II. It is a lovely lens.

 

[Angus Cameron]

Hi Anthony,

I like the image it’s very well executed IMO. My preference would be to lower the vibrance of the red with your software, it’s a little powerful for my taste. Ultimately it’s your art and if you are enjoying making it and the results then enjoy.
If you are going to re shoot you could look at the colour wheel, opposing colours are generally considered as being the most complimentary (you may know this already).
If not here’s a link to the colour wheel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_wheel

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Their logic is that red, yellow and white provide the best complimenting contrast.

If high contrast is what you want! I can see it as a certain kind of gallery exhibit. It certainly makes a strong statement. And if that is the statement that you want to make, it is your picture, and your creativity.

I think it is a great idea to play with it in software. You could experiment with all sorts of stuff without taking the picture against other colours. Bring the saturation way down and check out the effect. I think you'll like it!

That is all my humble opinion. A little more objective, perhaps, is the suggestion that to use a strong bright colour dominates the picture, even though your flowers are still appearing to stand out against it. It is also my personal opinion that I would have preferred not to use a solid, flat background colour (again, it is your picture)

It is a wonderful world in which we can experiment with software that is not even very hard to use: we can see a hundred varieties in as many seconds.

Thank you for making a bold, bright statement, and for bringing it here for discussion. Looking forward to seeing more

 

[Richard A]

It is also my personal opinion that I would have preferred not to use a solid, flat background colour (again, it is your picture)

I have to disagree with you in this case Thad. I think the solid colour background suits this image well, especially with the just visible shadow around the bottom of the vase. Just out of interest, what sort of background would you recommend instead? It's all a learning curve and we can all pick up useful info, ideas and techniques to experiment with through discussions like this.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

I have to disagree with you in this case Thad. I think the solid colour background suits this image well

OK, in it's way it works. I can't look at it for long, but then I have to ask myself if that is the criteria: everything doesn't have to be soft on the eyes! Made me think .

It would be interesting to see it as a print, rather than a picture on a light-transmitting device.

Just out of interest, what sort of background would you recommend

I'm not good at colour-circle language, but I'd probably choose a complimentary (?) colour, and soften it. Maybe grey green? But then... it would be a different picture.

 

[Richard A]

It would be interesting to see it as a print, rather than a picture on a light-transmitting device.

Yes it would be. I daresay the red background wouldn't be quite so bright.