Black & White Iced Grass in Black & White

**groesener** · 10-16-2012, 09:38 PM

I'm actually guessing on the Aperture and Shutter speed, though I'm pretty sure on the SS. I'd like to hear what I might have done to make this picture seem a little deeper, making the separation between the subject and the bushes behind seem stronger.

I'd also like to hear what you think, in general, about the photo.

**baro-nite** · 10-17-2012, 07:07 AM

You get more separation by using a shorter focal length lens and getting correspondingly closer to the subject. Also by finding (or adding) lighting that separates subject from background -- side or back light on the subject in a case like this where you have a light subject and dark background. (With a dark subject on light background, you can also achieve separation by spotlighting the background directly behind the subject.) Side or back light would also add texture and "pop" to this subject.

The blurred foreground is distracting, because of the abrupt transition from blurry foreground to subject. (A gradual transition from foreground blur to subject can help emphasize the subject.)

The background element isn't just texture and shade; it also has shape, and the tight crop cuts this off. Use a larger aperture to blur the background more.

TFS.

**groesener** · 10-17-2012, 08:44 PM

I see what you mean about the distracting foreground. I'll practice. The cut-off of the background was kind of accidental - not enough attention to my framing, I'm afraid. if I'd ignored the foreground I probably would have gotten it. Don't recall why it wound up like this, as the photo was taken in January, and I just re-discovered this roll a couple weeks ago. (Came back from the trip with 13 rolls). Thanks for the input.

10-16-2012, 09:38 PM	#1
groesener Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Coquille, OR Photos: Albums Posts: 73	Iced Grass in Black & White Lens: 3.5:135mm Takumar Camera: Spotmatic Photo Location: Osoyoos, BC ISO: 400 Shutter Speed: 1/250s Aperture: F8 I'm actually guessing on the Aperture and Shutter speed, though I'm pretty sure on the SS. I'd like to hear what I might have done to make this picture seem a little deeper, making the separation between the subject and the bushes behind seem stronger. I'd also like to hear what you think, in general, about the photo.

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10-17-2012, 07:07 AM	#2
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	You get more separation by using a shorter focal length lens and getting correspondingly closer to the subject. Also by finding (or adding) lighting that separates subject from background -- side or back light on the subject in a case like this where you have a light subject and dark background. (With a dark subject on light background, you can also achieve separation by spotlighting the background directly behind the subject.) Side or back light would also add texture and "pop" to this subject. The blurred foreground is distracting, because of the abrupt transition from blurry foreground to subject. (A gradual transition from foreground blur to subject can help emphasize the subject.) The background element isn't just texture and shade; it also has shape, and the tight crop cuts this off. Use a larger aperture to blur the background more. TFS.

10-17-2012, 08:44 PM	#3
groesener Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Coquille, OR Photos: Albums Posts: 73 Original Poster	I see what you mean about the distracting foreground. I'll practice. The cut-off of the background was kind of accidental - not enough attention to my framing, I'm afraid. if I'd ignored the foreground I probably would have gotten it. Don't recall why it wound up like this, as the photo was taken in January, and I just re-discovered this roll a couple weeks ago. (Came back from the trip with 13 rolls). Thanks for the input.