What can I say about these. I am not happy with them yet, they are my first attempts. They are too dark, the focus not quite right. They require effort and planning.
Hibiscus are so vibrant on the bush. They lead a loud, raucous and colorful life. Their decay is sudden but even so,there remains an exotic feel. The colors in these fading hibiscus blooms are subtle and rich, not tropical but vintage. Like expensive, old drapes in the salon of a 17th century chateau. There is texture not present in a young bloom, like the wrinkles of an old man whose life has been very interesting. Almost a smile as life passes away.
Somehow, I feel a bit of myself comes out with them. Like most men, I keep too much inside and something about these photos lets me express those private feelings.
Nikon D90 with Tamron 90. 1/8s at f/11. ISO500. In Lightroom, added vibrance, brightened lights, darkened shadows, sharpened and applied noise reduction.
Really? You’re not happy with this attempt? I think it’s very stunning…it has an oil painting feel to it…as though it is not a photograph, but rather a fine piece of art created by one of the old masters.
Comment by lartdejournalier — July 6, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Wow! I agree…stunning! I really like this and consider it photographic art. Photography and art as well as music allows us to express what lies deep within in a way, I believe, that is universal soul language.
Comment by Anna Surface — July 6, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Wow! Very rich and wonderful. I understand the “want” of perfection, but I think these are really good! I agree with the others and it does look like an oil painting.
Comment by swanpetal — July 6, 2009 @ 10:22 am
Makes me think of a wine-infused botanical print.
I always appreciate your processing notes – thanks for these.
Comment by nikkipolani — July 6, 2009 @ 11:35 am
you are your harshest critic – you wish to make a balance between the dark and the light but it works wonderful here
Comment by fakebrunette — July 6, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Maybe it’s the amateur in me, but I find this amazing. And as far as keeping too much inside… you’re miles ahead of some of the men I know.
Comment by territerri — July 6, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
I love these colors. Amazing.
Comment by plainmama — July 6, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
Beautiful and brief
Is your stay above
The late summer leaf . . .
- A. Ware
Comment by wildstorm — July 6, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
I think the dark gives it a sense of the dramatic.
Comment by Beyond Bluestockings — July 7, 2009 @ 4:31 am
Maybe the dark works quite well here, with the soft focus on the stamens(?) and I do love your explanation. Lovely, comparing to vintage curtains. Quite a metaphorical portrait in this photograph.
Comment by Bo — July 7, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
Being a lover of dark and antique… this photograph is absolutely perfect in my eyes!
Comment by kcjewel — July 7, 2009 @ 8:44 pm