Something I was thinking about when processing this lady slipper image was how gritty and ‘hard looking’ it was becoming, and how that is normally the opposite of how flowers are portrayed. Perhaps one might stereotype flower photographs as being ‘pretty’, ‘delicate’,’soft’, or even to the point of sensual ala Georgia O’Keeffe. The low angle view I shot this at and fairly shallow DOF also contributes to a light and airy feeling to an image.
What happens when we then decide to take an opposite direction in how the final image is processed with a harder, stronger approach? When we start going in the opposite direction of the stereotype, some interesting things may happen. Different aspects end up being emphasized and perhaps what was a yin-dominant image becomes yang dominant. Do you think this can create some type of conflict to the viewer of the image? Or does it create more interest? Do some subjects accept a certain “look” more than others? It is an interesting thing to think about.
As photographers, we have more control than ever on how our images are processed. and presented in their final form. Â. Processing has become an artform in itself as the finishing touch to a photograph.Â. So thinking about this important last step in creation of your image can result in an entirely new set of questions and considerations. Â. In the field we try to consider flattering light, flattering angles, depth of field – all to portray our subjects in the best possible ways. Â. Â. When it comes to post-capture, is the box now wide open or still limited to what a subject may or may not accept in portrayal?
