[morlandroger]

Getting to grips with tubes.

I am not convinced that this is sharp enough. So fear a dent in wallet (but not for a while) is in order to improve Macro.
All 3 tubes 48mm
70-300 at 105
Lightbox
430 EX with diffuser

CS2
Rough selection, feather and Gaussian blur of background.
USM, Levels.



Thanks for looking
Roger

[JMitchell]

I think it probably is just about sharp enough, but the thing that lets this photo down (if you don't mind my saying) is the lighting. It seems very harsh, almost like direct flash, so there are unflattering reflections off the inner black thingies (technical term), and a harsh change in background tonality, as well as a very tungsten looking white balance, which has taken away from the warmth of the flower's colours.
I would try and diffuse the light more, and make it look either purposefully lit in an artistic-y kind of way, or like daylight.

Sorry for the long list of crits, but thought you might want advice. Tell me for future if not



Jack

[morlandroger]

Thanks J critique always welcome.
It was lit by flash with a diffuser but not diffuse enough I think.

Will keep trying.
Roger

[Chris H]

To me it looks a tad out of focus, probably just a tiny ammount of sharpening will lift the picture.

Here's my pretty cack handed go at it unfortunately it pops a few artifacts in the surrounding leaves



Sharpening it makes the flower head realy pop out of the photograph.

Hope yer don't mind

[morlandroger]

Already used USM on this but perhaps will try more. Any pimping always welcome Chris