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Sweeping
Sweeping
kteach


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Hidden Gem -- 1,000th Challenge! (Advanced Editing VII*)
Camera: Nikon D50
Lens: Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8
Date: Mar 1, 2008
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/500
Galleries: Macro, Floral
Date Uploaded: Mar 7, 2009

[Mar. 15th, 2009 07:58:16 PM]

I had used this photo in a macro side challenge, so I know others have seen it before, but I really like the image.

When I first found DPC I was inspired by photographers like Dax and Ursula, and their beautiful macros. Their work made me realize what kind of photos I liked, and gave me a goal of what I wanted to shoot for myself. I had searched and hunted for the big puffballs that Ursula uses so that I could practice getting a shot similar to hers. Finally, I saw them at the side of the road one day when I was visiting in Pennsylvania, and made the person driving stop so I could grab it. I put them in a shoebox and brought them back to New York.

I tried several times to photograph them, but nothing ever came out the way I wanted it to. I finally came up with this shot during the macro side challenge and was thrilled that I had captured the essence of the photos that I had been inspired by.

This was my description of how I shot it from the original posting:

Sat in front of a window, but the color in the background was dull. I had printed out a photo the other day, but was out of yellow ink in the printer cartridge... the paper was lying on top of the recycle pile, so I held it up behind the seed pod to give some extra color. Used the 50mm lens with a reversing ring.

So as one commenter noted, this may not be a subject worthy of this challenge, but I think many people put photos in which were meaningful to them. This is a shot that represents that for me. And to have so many comments comparing this shot to one of a photographer that I have admired since I started here is a amazing. I just need to find out how to capture that essence more often.

Statistics
Place: 36 out of 1129
Avg (all users): 6.6984
Avg (commenters): 7.8889
Avg (participants): 6.7336
Avg (non-participants): 6.5000
Views since voting: 2191
Views during voting: 816
Votes: 504
Comments: 92
Favorites: 23 (view)

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AuthorThread
 10/11/2016 05:32:22 PM
What an awesome job and thanks for sharing your tutorial. I'm not for certain but the seed pod looks very much like the Oyster Plant after it has bloomed. It grows wild in your area. You can purchase the seed online and they are one of the edible plants. Great Job!
 06/19/2012 10:10:37 AM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BEAUTIFUL FROM SHEZ
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/05/2010 06:59:03 PM
Was visiting your profile and I noticed this (again). But I see I never commented! It's fantastic.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/18/2009 01:23:14 PM
Melanie, this so so absolutely beautiful (although I am biased, hehe). You did a wonderful job with this image, I love the play of sharp/not sharp, and the contrast between the golden seed pods and the clear blue/greens pink/purples in the background.

I have been considering using a 50mm reversed, and after seeing this I will definitely try it now (after I buy the reversing ring). So now you can count yourself as being inspiration for me :)

You do beautiful work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
03/17/2009 10:23:00 PM
Love the curves and pastels in this shot. Not sure what you used for background, but the lavender works well with the peach and light blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 06:48:48 PM
I love the softness and pastel colours in this shot, a very nice piece of art photography.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 05:59:14 PM
one of my favorites here, i love the colors and bokeh, and the composition is very pleasing to the eye
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 05:43:55 PM
Yep......Love it! This one sings to me.....I hear soft piano music when I look at it and it's wonderful. Thanks!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 03:39:30 PM
This is a great photo, I am not sure the subject bears the weight of this challenge, also I do not think the frame gives it justice. 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 02:23:41 PM
Signature ursula. If you aren't ursula, it's the highest compliment I could offer. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 02:05:06 PM
Very feminine and soft, curves, smooth, great colors as well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 11:56:00 AM
Lovely composition and colors, one of my favourite for sure!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/17/2009 06:08:58 AM
Great colors, very nice macro!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 11:06:36 PM
Nice exposure. DOF could be more.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 09:31:53 PM
Beatiful. I love the soft colours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 06:57:12 PM
wow, nice dreamy colour and texture, 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 05:22:50 PM
Lovely as always. Among best in class!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 03:37:46 PM
Lovely soft focus and tones - perfect for a canvas print
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 02:30:56 PM
I loved this image the last time I saw it, and it still holds true now. Glad you put this one in. 9 upped to 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 01:34:02 PM
Excellent image as always. Even though I have seen this earlier, still great image every time I see. 10+
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 12:24:25 PM
I love the gorgeous pastel hues and the shapes themselves, great composition lovely image
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 11:06:03 AM
This is so beautiful! Love the pastel tones and sweeping lines of composition. The shallow DOF and focus are perfect.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 10:45:19 AM
This one really "blows" me away. great composition, light, just enough detail.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 07:58:07 AM
So beautiful. I love the colours, the softness and the composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 06:59:43 AM
Beautiful! Love the light, the lines and the texture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 05:34:17 AM
Beautiful macro! Love the colors & composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 03:51:35 AM
nice shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/16/2009 12:59:09 AM
Nice colors and design. I like the simplicity.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 10:04:45 PM
Beautiful. So delicate and simple.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 07:18:33 PM
Just gorgeous - so delicate with great colors and composition. The background and lighting really worked well here as did the very shallow DOF.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 07:12:03 PM
Perfect technique to capture such delicate structures. back to bump to 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 06:08:31 PM
Beautiful colors, beautiful image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 05:43:23 PM
Very relaxing with its softness and colors. Maybe a tad too much blur in some spots.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 01:19:02 PM
wonderful abstract.... 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 11:52:42 AM
This is very Ursula like. Very nice! (Border is a little too much)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 11:17:50 AM
this is so beautiful, the colors, the softness and yet great detail, i can see this hangig on a wall 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 10:41:35 AM
A signature piece by the one and only ... !!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 10:40:05 AM
is this URSULA?? I Miss you!!!! gorgeous image...10.

editing to add: ok, so maybe you aren't Ursula - I've seen two images like this. Ursula or not, this is just lovely!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 10:22:23 AM
I think I have this in my favourites! I absolutely love the colours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 09:23:31 AM
Coming back to comment...

Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful, so delicate and transparent!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 07:09:06 AM
Great PP job - love the tone - keeep up the good work and good luck in this challenge
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 06:26:41 AM
nice details captured, excellent compostion, colors blend very well, 7
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 05:49:29 AM
Lovely details. Wonderful pastel colors. Composition is tops. Best impressionist macro in the whole lot! Congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 05:43:02 AM
coz of the noise...5
brano ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/15/2009 01:25:36 AM
looks like an Ursula... gorgeous, colorful, a delight! 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 10:27:34 PM
nice work love the softness and tones
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 09:20:44 PM
Oh my goodness, how beautiful! Love it!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 02:25:27 PM
I really like this subject. The background colors really make this special.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 01:20:40 PM
Great macro
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 12:06:15 PM
I like this...this is really soft and pretty
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 11:39:39 AM
Brilliant!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 11:20:40 AM
Lovely pastel colors, textures and patterns combine harmoniously to create an interesting and eye pleasing composition. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 09:02:23 AM
Another wonderful Ursula-esque photograph. I think it's quite nifty that "Ursula-esque" is a recognizable compliment.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/14/2009 05:58:58 AM
wow, this makes a fantastic abstract shot, the colours composition and lines are all awesome
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 10:21:51 PM
Wow, great macro. Lovely colours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 09:18:30 PM
lovely and delicate
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 08:19:54 PM
Wonderful textures! The pastel tones really add to it. A lovely and very soothing picture! I am more relaxed now!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 07:32:56 PM
Reminds me of Dax's work...lovely and graceful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 07:24:12 PM
Lovely subtle colours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 06:24:59 PM
Wow cool coloring. The macro is awesome. I love it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 06:18:31 PM
great colors and detail. dof is great too. lovely angle
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 04:51:46 PM
aah Ursula :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 04:47:35 PM
Excellent contrast of colors and lines. Very nice abstract! 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 04:16:54 PM
Quietly lovely - soft, gentle, calming. Makes me happy.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 03:56:37 PM
Fabulous abstract. Lovely colors.


Not voting yet.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 03:24:26 PM
Lovely image, the delicacy in the detail is extraordinary.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 10:30:18 AM
Another ursula-esque shot, but without water drops. Still beautifully delicate.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 09:36:36 AM
Great soft colors and DOF.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/13/2009 12:11:55 AM
(gasp) Takes my breath away, so soft and fragile, but beautiful beyond words. Love the colors...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 11:55:07 PM
Excellent composition with absolutely beautifully delicate colors and subjects. The DOF is wonderful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 10:37:53 PM
Very artistic with the shapes and pastel colors.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 10:21:51 PM
Cool looking patterns and colors. It all mixes into a very nice semi-abstract.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 09:53:04 PM
different
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 08:40:49 PM
This is really a fabulous, evocative abstract. Very well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 05:31:26 PM
You must have been very pleased with this photo. great work.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 02:30:01 PM
Beautiful!! 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 10:53:41 AM
Voted earlier coming back to leave comments now. I absolutely LOVE the soft pastel colors in this composition! It takes on the aspects of a watercolor painting. Those soft hues play well with the subject and help to further convey to the viewer the feeling of touch. We can 'feel' the softness of the subject just by looking at it. I also love the lines in this composition. You have them 'sweeping' at a diagonal which adds further visual appeal and interest. I also love the textures I see here too. There is the cottony spindly threads that are between the brown spires that also invoke the idea of softness.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 09:38:30 AM
Lovely colors and dof, well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/12/2009 01:36:17 AM
very nice shot, great composition and colors
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 10:25:57 PM
Great abstract. The softness and the colors are lovely.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 08:06:55 PM
Excellent soft tones in this shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 08:03:15 PM
There are only a few DPC photographers who have what it takes to pull off this shot. Your sense of lighting and the exquisite use of DOF here is genius.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 06:01:01 PM
So simple...but really superb!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 03:12:02 PM
Grace and Beauty, Ballet..
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 01:20:32 PM
:) Beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 12:51:58 PM
Such a delicate shot, colors are so enjoyable, congrats, this is a real eye pleaser...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 10:35:32 AM
Wow. jaw dropping beautiful!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 09:58:37 AM
Beautiful abstract. Pretty pretty colors.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 09:34:53 AM
Congratulations on being part of this 1000th challenge on DPC. Keep up the good work!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 08:41:03 AM
Now _that_ is delightful. SOMEone knows how to make a postcard!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 03:14:16 AM
Delicate. Nice colors.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/11/2009 12:17:08 AM
Ah, an Ursular-gem if I'm not mistaken. Lovely delicate tones, consider it a compliment if I'm wrong about your iD
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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