Kiss Me
Kiss Me
Kiss Me
Read less
Read less
Mar, 2014Views
514
Likes
Awards
Way To Go
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Exceptional Contrast
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Peer Award
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rank week 1Top 20 rank Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken under a pendant light in my old kitchen, it was like a spotlight. I was just struck by the simplicity of the tulip under a harsh light, and how delicate it still looked.Time
It was early evening, and I was waiting for my roommate at the time. We were heading out for dinner, and as usual, I was ready first. Standing in the kitchen, I was enjoying a glass of wine and just 'pondering life' while she was getting ready. The light outside was fading, and the only lights I had on were the pendant lights above the kitchen island. It was like a spotlight, and the tulips I had bought the previous day were stunning and glowing under the lights.Lighting
While the other flowers in the vase were still standing straight up and beautifully lit from within, this one tulip was already bending even after only a day, and seemed to be reaching for the pendant light. I wanted to see if I could translate what I could see with my eyes to a photograph. The darkness in the rest of the condo contrasted with the intense light from the pendant lights and I was enjoying the contrast of the dark, light and softness. This one wasn't lit up from the inside like the others, and the details I could see under the light was fascinating to me.Equipment
I shot this with my original digital SLR, a Canon XTi, using the stock 18-55mm EF-S lens. No tripod and no flash, it was a spur of the moment capture.Inspiration
Tulips are my favourite, very underrated and understated, beautiful flowers. They don't last long, and are only available for a short moment of time, much like a photograph. I am drawn to the simplicity of the stems, the simple but complex textures of the petals. I love how they can seem to glow from within when the light hits them just right. I already had an abundance of tulip pictures, more than I can count, but this one under this one light in the increasing dark just caught me. I was still new to the digital SLR area at the time, and I was unsure if I could still get onto 'film' what I could see with my eyes and in my head - this was one of the first digital photographs that I fell in love with, one of the first that turned out the way I saw it with minimal alterations. An all time favourites that has a place on the walls of my home even now.Editing
At the time this was shot, I was still learning all the tricks of post-processing. I was not proficient in all the different tools and tricks included and available digitally. There was very minor changes to the exposure to blacken out the background a bit more, and focus all the attention on the flower itself. That was the extent of any changes overall, I was still way too inexperienced to change anything else apart from the minor change to the exposure. Which was enough to fully realise what I saw in my mind when taking the picture.In my camera bag
I was a film baby all the way, my first 'real' camera was a Canon TX. Other than the advantage of a built in light meter, it was fully manual. And to this day I appreciate the learning and knowledge that gave me. As a self taught photographer, it was invaluable to experiment and make mistakes learning from an old school manual SLR. I have since upgraded, and embraced the digital age, although I am a little behind the technological times with my Canon 5D Mk II. I still love it though, and held off upgrading to purchase my 17-40 mm f4.0 lens I use as my prime lens now. I also carry with me a 50 mm f1.8 and a much loved 70-200 mm f4.0. I am a long time fan of Canon, not because I think it's better, but because I love the color tone Canon shoots in and after as many years shooting with it, it is as familiar as a favourite blanket.Feedback
My advice, try everything, experiment and keep a camera with you ALL THE TIME. Regardless of it being a high end SLR or a basic point and shoot. If you can visualise the shot in your mind, the camera is just one tool you have to bring that to completion. Get a hold of an older SLR, risk losing the safety net of digital and learn to use the manual settings. Get comfortable with film, and how light and composition affects it. If you can take a shot in your head, set the aperture, f-stop and ISO instinctively, you will have a greater understanding of composure and lighting situations - film or digital. Take pictures of what you find interesting, fascinating, moving, beautiful. Learn from playing with everything, using all the settings on your equipment. Look for the light, and don't be afraid of contrast, harsh light or impromptu shots. Photography is an art form and is completely subjective. Don't be afraid to play around with it, make mistakes with it, always continue to learn from it and others and love it no matter what.
