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onOne Perfect Photo Suite 8
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fidfoto
November 18, 2014
Thanks for the congrats. I was shooting the trees at the Botanical Garden in San Francisco, and I stumbled across this plant on the ground. I don't recall what it was called, but I thought it looked interesting because of it's symmetry. It remained in my archives for about a year before I looked at it again. After doing some post- work, I realized what a find this plant was.
CWphotos5
April 23, 2015
It looks almost metallic...well seen and beautifully captured! Congratulations!
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Behind The Lens
Location
I found this plant at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. I must've shot it 3 or 4 years ago and only recently "played" with it.Time
I remember it was foggy and overcast in the morning and cleared up later in the afternoon, so it must've been shot around 11AM, when the fog was burning off and there was still some haze to soften the sunlight.Lighting
No additional lights were needed.Equipment
I used a Nikon D2X with a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I used a Hakuba carbon fiber tripod with a Manfrotto ball head.Inspiration
It's unusual shape caught my attention. I loved the symmetry and the texture. The thorns were the clincher for me.Editing
I did some basic post-production... made it B&W, did a little burning and dodging, and pumped up the contrast. I also got rid of some dirt that was in the shot. I gave it a little boost in texture with Nic Color Efex 4.In my camera bag
Since I currently shoot weddings and events, I carry 2 Nikon D800's, a Nikon 14-24mm, Nikon 24-70mm, a Nikon 70-200mm, 2 Nikon SB800 speedlights with 2 Nikon SD-9 battery packs, and tons of CF and SD cards. If I'm shooting arty stuff, I'll also add my Nikon 85mm f/1.4.Feedback
If the light isn't right, come back when it is better. Or, change it with a speedlight, or a scrim to diffuse the sunlight. Also, clean the scene. I can't stress enough how little things that don't belong in the shot, will be distracting in the final image. Dirt, leaves, spider webs, etc. Get rid of all the extraneous garbage so you won't have to do it in Photoshop.