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Aloe - Up Close & Personal

© Michael R. McKenney

Aloe - Up Close & Personal

Uploaded: July 10, 2006

Description

Shot at f 8, 1/2 second exposure, ISO 400, available light from desk lamp.

Almost looks like icing on candy. Or, maybe it could pass for the first photo of life on mars.

Comments

Michael R. McKenney level-classic July 10, 2006

If you have a second, any thoughts/comments/suggestions?

Thanks! #481405

July 10, 2006

What an unusual aloe. I like the comp. I would love to fool around with the color on this one. And maybe take out the contrasting corner. Isn't it great fun to work with these? I've got to have a look at your gallery now. #3010231

Michael R. McKenney level-classic July 10, 2006

Thanks for your response. When you say fool around with the color, how do you meant - less saturation, change the RGB, sepia tone???

I did think quite awhile about taking out the lower right-hand corner object, but finally decided to leave it for contrast/depth. Do you think it would look better out?

Thanks! #3010253

July 10, 2006

I mentioned that corner because my eye was instantly drawn to it, rather than the plant. But I am certainly no expert. I guess I would brighten it up a bit to make the orange more orange and work with the contrast a bit. It could be the depth of orange takes away from the green of the plant. You have probably already done all this! (smile). Please take a look at my gallery when you have time and comment on my efforts. I can use the help. and be hard on me. #3010313

Michael R. McKenney level-classic July 10, 2006

I did look at your gallery right away. I absolutely love the total black backgrounds to your close-up flowers! I think it adds greatly to the detail and colors.

Guess I'm a bit "old fashioned" and more of a "purist" when it comes to colors. I usually don't play much with them, other than contrast and for some strange reason, I like the deeper darker colors. Having said that, I do especially like your photo "Going 90 Miles An Hour" (I think that was the title, memory sometimes just seems a bit tired :) #3010360

July 10, 2006

Thank you Michael. I began a purist and I think I just have adobe fever or something. I'll probably settle back down. HA #3010437

Margaret Sikora July 11, 2006

Michael I was drawn to have a closer look because of the colours ,I love the background against the green ,I love cactus but dont have much luck growing them ,love this one. #3012244

Michael R. McKenney level-classic July 11, 2006

Margaret,

Thank you for your encouragement. I probably have less luck than you in growing things. This little aloe plant has been on my desk only about a month now (4+ inches tall), and I only water it once a week, so maybe I've hit the right formula for it.

BTW, I looked through your gallery and am very impressed, I think mostly because of your wide range of intersts and how even with such a broad range, you manage to capture true photographs of whatever you see, both in beauty and composition, as well as colors. I love the little cow playing hide & seek, and I thought Morning Reflections should have a First Place under it. Colors are so great; it looks almost like a painting. #3012321

Joanna Madloch November 28, 2009

It's amazing. An unusual catch of the unusual model. #8175753

Melissa Olsen October 14, 2011

oH mY! Fabulous color and GREAT composition. #9734826

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