Flower photography

[Nostromo]

I love taking photos of flowers, especially at this time of year. I mostly do close up stuff (not true macro). Whereas I think most of the photos I take are OK, I feel that there's something missing. Something that separates the mediocre from the great (ok, great might be a bit of a strong word).
I don't know if it's the processing, composition or something else.
I've looked at others photo's and can't put my finger on what it is that makes their images standout.
I don't even know what I'm asking here, maybe some guidance or some links to tutorials on flower photography or processing.

 

[Box Brownie]

As you say your op is vague and lacking anything for folk to feedback on/about.

Perhaps start by posting a few of yours to show what you are achieving and also maybe a link or two to examples of what you are trying to create???

 

[Nostromo]

As you say your op is vague and lacking anything for folk to feedback on/about.

Perhaps start by posting a few of yours to show what you are achieving and also maybe a link or two to examples of what you are trying to create???

So here's a few of my photos.

untitled-802.jpg by Dominic Rodgers, on Flickr

untitled-904.jpg by Dominic Rodgers, on Flickr

untitled-479.jpg by Dominic Rodgers, on Flickr

untitled-460.jpg by Dominic Rodgers, on Flickr

untitled-536 by Dominic Rodgers, on Flickr


And this is the type of styles i like.

https://flic.kr/p/5PiT4Y

https://flic.kr/p/atgM1A

https://flic.kr/p/54YVHS

https://flic.kr/p/6QyoFa

I do tend to have a liking for the fine art style (not something that looks like it's been painted, just stylized).

 

[Box Brownie]

Firstly let me say I do take plants and flowers as the opportunity arises but am rarely 100% content with what I get. Note ~ almost all are taken outside where the light & directionality are (other than time of day) outside my control.

And so to the question of light & lighting - all of the examples you link to IMO show very high level of planning and control of the light under 'controlled conditions'. Whereas all bar one of yours are very flat and lacking in contrast........some might be overcome(?) In the post editing?

The one obviously taken outside, the bluebells & other blue flowers on the bench does have a certain promise but it is the background that needs some taming especially in regard the hotspot of the green stem dead centre in the BG. I would be inclined to clone it out as part of the overall pp on the BG.

HTH ?

PS the painterly style AFAIK starts with the lighting and then includes the post processing.