GeoffLawrence.com

Purple Globe Dahlia (Asteraceae) - Stacked (8x) Image

Kev — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:06:29 -0400

by: Kev

Description: A closeup (1:9) ratio stacked image created with Zerene Stacker software.

5 comments

Purple Globe Dahlia (Asteraceae) - Stacked (6x) Image

Kev — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:02:40 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Another stacked macro (1:2) image created with Zerene Stacker.

Yellow Rudbeckia Centre (Asteraceae) - 14x Stacked Image

Kev — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:29:08 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's another 'stacked' image...this time using Zerene Stacker software.

Yellow Rudbeckia (Asteraceae) - 1:2 ratio

Kev — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:26:16 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a regular macro single image at f/22 for a DOF comparison.

'Nelly Moser' Centre (Clematis) - Ranunculaceae

Kev — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:46:38 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a closeup (non-macro) version at approx 1:9 ratio.

1 comment

'Nelly Moser' Centre (Clematis) - Macro 1:2

Kev — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:26:36 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Another flower macro as I'm still confined to my backyard with this awful summer FLU virus. I had planned to take some coastal sunrise shots this month but just don't have the energy to venture out very far - yet :(

Gerbera Staimens (Asteraceae) - 12 Stack Image - NEF Test

Kev — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 03:18:48 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a 12 shot stacked image. I just wanted to see 'if' Photoshop would actually stack NEF files. As you can see it does with pretty good results. The DOF from front to back is approx 27mm. I used an f/16 here and did manual focusing via turning the lens barrel...rather than shifting the entire rig on the focus rail. Here's a comparison image of the same flower that I took last year. This time with just a single frame at f/22. It is a much cleaner, nicer specimen I know...however, at a ratio of 1:2 the depth of field is extremely limited. http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro/h1b2b16e8#h1b2b16e8 (click on image to enlarge)

2 comments

"Mad Housewife" California Wine

Kev — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:52:57 -0400

"Mad Housewife" With Chocolate Lily

Kev — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:51:09 -0400

by: Kev

Description: This is just a FUN pic that my wife Krissoula wanted me to take :) I'm sick as a dog at the moment with an awful summer FLU virus and haven't been able to do any serious shots :( Just one note - the chocolate lily here is really dark...so I had to use 3 lights and two reflectors to bring out some texture & detail.

1 comment

'Origami Red & White' Columbine (Aquilegia) - Ranunculaceae

Kev — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:57:21 -0400

by: Kev

Description: A closeup (non-macro) shot at 1:5 ratio.

1 comment

Wild Perennial Lupin (Lupinus) - Macro

Kev — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:31:52 -0400

by: Kev

Description: A macro shot at 1:2 ratio

Pink Perennial Lupin (Lupinus) - Fabaceae

Kev — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:18:54 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Playing with light, colour and form. It's kinda late in the year for Lupins to still be in full bloom around here...but I spotted this fine specimen yesterday in a shaded area which was still looking good.

3 comments

Cactus Thistle - Macro Stack

Kev — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 02:34:09 -0400

by: Kev

Description: I noticed an interesting Cactus Thistle in the local park when I was out walking with the dawg this morning...so thought I'd snip a head and do another macro focus stack. This one has 5 seperate images, all shot at f/22, ISO 200, @ 1/1.6s...at approx 1:4 ratio... Processed in NX2 and then TIFFs stacked in CS4. As I wanted to use a minimal amount of images (5)...obviously the intention was to obtain a full DOF across only the main thistle head and not the entire plant...thus leaving plenty of OOF regions to act as a visual contrast.

3 comments

'Nelly Moser' (Clematis) - Macro

Kev — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:41:18 -0400

by: Kev

Description: I was out walking the dog around midnight last night and noticed this Clematis flower growing up an old iron fence. It didn't look particularly inspiring at a normal viewing range, but once I got it home in the studio and took a couple of macro shots...the subtle colours came alive. I thought I'd go for a softer vibe on this one (even tho I did still use f/32)...as a contrast to my more regular 'stacked' or deep DOF macro images.

Coronaria (Anemone) - Macro 1:1 @ f/32

Kev — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:43:47 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's the centre of a Anemone flower taken at 1:1 ratio. I stopped the lens down to f/32 on this one in order to get the extra DOF. Shooting beyond the f/16-f/22 range will increase "diffraction" a little - however, I think the trade-off for the additional depth is well worth it.

3 comments

'Origami Red & White' Columbine ( Aquilegia) - Ranunculaceae

Kev — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:12:45 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Another gem from the front garden. It's been so breezy around here the past few weeks (ie: living right next to the ocean)...that I have no choice but to shoot the florals indoors...until the summer calm arrives :) I'll be watching the World Cup for the next 3-4 weeks...so I expect that I won't be taking too many pics (due to visual TV fatigue and a lack of sleep :) during that period...as it's a very early start, watching from over here on this side of the globe.

4 comments

Blood Iris - Stacked Macro 1:1

Kev — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:46:51 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a beauty from the front garden. A focus stacked (x 6) image to obtain the enhanced DOF on the front portion of the flower.

2 comments

California Lilac (Ceanothus) - Macro 1:1

Kev — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:13:42 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Our California Lilac hedges are in full bloom right now...so for the next 6 weeks or so, they will be completely covered in sweet-smelling BLUE flower heads. This shot is a macro 1:1 closeup...and here's a quick snap (click on the link) to show what the hedge actually looks like: http://kvincentphotography.ca/springtimeblooms/h681781b#h681781b

Yellow Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) - Araceae

Kev — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:40:05 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a much closer, more detailed shot of the Yellow Calla Lily. I'll be the first to admit that it was a challenge to create a good/even luminosity balance across the entire bloom due to the thin transluscent quality of the flower. I deliberately added a bit of shadow/highlights...to help create depth.

Yellow Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) - With Reflection

Kev — Sun, 30 May 2010 04:08:23 -0400

by: Kev

7 comments

Flowering Clivia (Amaryllidaceae)

Kev — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:03:07 -0400

by: Kev

Description: It's actually raining today...which is kinda unusual for this time of year here. So, I thought I would take another shot of the indoor Clivia plant as it's flowering again. This time I used one light with a softbox off to the left about 5ft away, and a fill reflector positioned to the right side.

Vintage Amber Glass Top - Lighting Test 1

Kev — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:52:52 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Now that I finally have my new studio setup with 3,000 Watt (tungsten equiv) of continuous lighting and a much larger diffuser tent working environment the first thing to do is to get the custom WB presets all figured out. This shot was taken with a clear perspex sheet placed underneath the subject for a subtle reflection.

2 comments

A Country Lane In Springtime

Kev — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:59:23 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's another shot of the small lane at the back of our house. I't so damn pretty around here right now :)

Crimson Tulip Centre (Tulipa) - Stacked (x 8) Image

Kev — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:59:41 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's one last "stacked" Tulip shot before they are all gone until next season. This is actually my favourite of the bunch. 8 x images blended together for the extended depth of filed.

4 comments

Tulip Centre After A Spring Shower (Tulipa) - Macro 1:2

Kev — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:31:52 -0400

by: Kev

Description: I just love the bold, vivid colours, and form of these tulip centres, especially with e few added raindrops ;)

1 comment

Crimson Tulip (Tulipa) - Liliaceae

Kev — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:27:36 -0400

by: Kev

Description: The tulips are fast coming to an end here now, so I thought I would take a few more shots of them before they are gone for another whole year.

1 comment

Crimson Tulip Centre (Tulipa) - Liliaceae

Kev — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:25:50 -0400

by: Kev

Description: The tulips are fast coming to an end here now, so I thought I would take a few more shots of them before they are gone for another year. I find the vivid inside centre colours, shape & form so amazing compared with the regular outside view.

Wallflowers (Erysimum) - Brassicaceae

Kev — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:21:46 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a shot taken about 200 metres from my back door. These native wallfowers bloom profusely around this area from mid January thru to late June. They add some nice splashes of colour to the local streets, lanes, etc.

2 comments

Mrs G.W. Leak (Speckled Throat) Rhododendron - Macro Stack

Kev — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:05:51 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's the same flower a lot closer. Not quite real a macro distance...but about 1:9 ratio. This one is 7 images stacked together for the extra depth of field.

1 comment

Mrs G.W. Leak (Speckled Throat) Rhododendron

Kev — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:01:44 -0400

by: Kev

Description: The Rhododendrons are atarting to bloom enmass here in Victoria now...the whole place is an array of different varieties. Here's one of my favourites from our front garden. I think of this as a flower portrait shot ;)

Yellow Tulip (Tulipa) - Macro 1:1 Stack

Kev — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:14:07 -0400

by: Kev

Description: This is a macro 1:1 shot with 8 seperate images in the stack. It's a bit tricky at such close range to cover all the desired areas because the DOF is only around 1mm at f/16. I think it turned out pretty well. Having a quality 'focus rail' and a 'geared head' is a must with this kind of approach.

6 comments

Yellow Tulip Centre (Tulipa) - Macro 1:2 Stack

Kev — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:04:21 -0400

by: Kev

Description: This one is another stacked image with 5 seperate focus points in order to obtain an extended DOF at such a close distance. I love the combination of shapes and colours here.

Red Tulip Centre (Tulipa) - Macro 1:4

Kev — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:00:33 -0400

by: Kev

Description: I found this red tulip with an interesting blue rod centre yesterday...so decided to take a shot. The centre stamen top looks rather like an ice-crystal to me. This is just a regular straightforward f/22 image.

2 comments

Red Tulip (Tulipa) - Stacked Image

Kev — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:38:49 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's another staked image with 5 different focus points. Taken at 1:9 distance ratio. The lighting is falling on the back of the flower to give it that luminated look. It's amazing just how colourful and interesting some tulips can be on the inside.

6 comments

Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis (Malvaceae) - Stacked Image

Kev — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:38:34 -0400

by: Kev

Description: The Hibiscus flowers in my sunroom are now starting to bloom profusely, so I thought I'd take a shot. This is a stacked image of 5 seperate shots with a slightly different approach here. I attempted to mimmick what a T/S lens might do by focusing the central plane from front to back (ie: along the stamen) of the subject, but also leaving some areas around the periphery kinda soft as well. I think it's turned out relatively well, with an enhanced DOF, especially at this 1:2 macro distance.

3 comments

Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera) - Reflections

Kev — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:15:39 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Thought I'd get creative in Photoshop with this one.

Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera) - Macro 1:2

Kev — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 02:11:58 -0400

by: Kev

Description: This plant is supposed to bloom back in December but decided to do so now instead. I guess any holiday season will do - eh! :) Once again, playing with the natural daylight coming in from the window.

5 comments

Japonicum Leaf - 12 Stack

Kev — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:14:19 -0400

by: Kev

Description: This is by no means a perfect end result...but, I thought I would attempt stacking 12 seperate images. Each one focused upon a different leaf. CS4 did a pretty reasonable job, however I recommend keeping stacks to about only 4-5 images, and shooting from the back of the frame to front systematically...instead of in a random pattern, like I did here.

2 comments

White Avalanche Lily (Erythronium Montanum) - Liliaceae

Kev — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:41:14 -0400

by: Kev

Description: I picked this native wild Avalanche Lily whilst out on a woodland trail today...soon the ground in certain areas will be covered with them. I'm waiting for some new studio lighting and other equipment to arrive...so, once again I just used the natural light coming in from the window and tried to capture the very subtle & delicate feel of the flower.

1 comment

Perennial Candytuft (Iberis Sempervirens) - Focus Stacked Macro 1:1 Image

Kev — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:18:44 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here is a 1:1 macro shot comprising of 7 different images stacked together in Photoshop CS4 to greatly increase the depth of field. Once again using the natural day-light approach to get a subtle variance of light across the bloom.

2 comments

Perennial Candytuft (Iberis Sempervirens) - Brassicaceae

Kev — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:12:25 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a regular indoor flower shot at approx 1:9 distance...f/22 using my Nikon 105 2.8 VR macro lens. Natural day-light coming in through the window at an angle of approx 90' degrees.

Hellebore Hybrid (Helleborus) - Macro 2:1

Kev — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:59:18 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Here's a 2:1 macro shot I took back in January. It's lost a little sharpness during the NEF to Jpeg conversion but is still reasonable I think. I used my Canon 250D (+4 diopter) closeup lens with the Nikon 105 2.8 VR macro to achieve the higher 2:1 magnification ratio. This is about as up close and personal as I ever wish to get. :)

1 comment

English Daisy (Bellis Perennis) - Macro 1:2

Kev — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:04:18 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Once again using just natural daylight coming from the window, plus a couple of small reflectors. I think this method works well, but doesn't quite have the overall control that using a proper soft-box cube tent and 3-4 lights does. This daisy is really small, just 6mm in diameter. I'm shooting these flowers indoors simply because it's too windy outside at the moment.

1 comment

English Daisy (Bellis Perennis) with Reflection

Kev — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:01:20 -0400

by: Kev

Description: Just messing around :)

2 comments

Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles) - Rosaceae

Kev — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:32:24 -0500

by: Kev

Description: Once again, I used natural daylight coming in thru the window at 90' to the subject. Plus a couple of small reflectors. The layer-mask was done in PS Elements 8.

6 comments

Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles) - Macro 1:1

Kev — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:10:29 -0500

by: Kev

Description: This time I used natural daylight coming in thru the window at 90' to the subject. Plus a couple of small reflectors.

Primula Hortensis (Hybrid) - Macro 1:1

Kev — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:17:40 -0500

by: Kev

Description: I found some very colourful double Primula Hybrids at the flower nursery today...so had to buy a few to stick in my garden. I used the camera's "live view" mode on this shot in combination with all the regular macro accessories. It works well, but note - for live-view to offer a clear viewing experience ample lighting is required.

Phalaenopsis Orchid Centre - Macro 2:1

Kev — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:35:47 -0500

by: Kev

Description: Here's a much closer shot of the orchid centre using the Nikon 105 2.8 VR macro lens with an attached Canon 250D (+4 diopter) closeup filter which gives me approx 2:1 ratio. I'm not completely satisfied with the image sharpness on this...it's a little soft. I shall have another go at it using live view to see "IF" I can improve that aspect...altho, at such very close range most objects in nature do not actually have sharp line/edge definition. However, I do like the compositional perspective here.

Phalaenopsis Orchid (Orchidaceae) - Macro 1:1

Kev — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:29:03 -0500

by: Kev

Description: One of our orchid plants just came out in bloom so I couldn't resist taking a shot, especially as it takes approx 2 years in between flowerings. With a little added double effect here.

2 comments

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Mollis) - Macro 1:1

Kev — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:13:32 -0500

by: Kev

Description: I took a short break from watching the GAMES this afternoon to take a macro shot of this common Witch Hazel. It appears a lot more interesting up close like this than it does from a normal viewing distance. Each red flower is just 3mm across in size.