Breaking Free Photo

Photographer’s Note

Milkweed is a common "weed" here in Utah, and though it does get ugly and brown after the seed pods have broken open, its flowers are very lovely, and so are the seed pods as they begin to open. Another wonderful thing about these "weeds" is that monarch butterflies lay their eggs on them; it is the only plant their caterpillars will eat. Utah happens to be a stop on their migration south to Mexico.

I saw this pod as I was driving home from work, and my family has learned to be patient as I screech to a stop and grab the camera!

I put a black card in back of this one, but used the natural sunlight--I've yet to find a better light source. I put the card as far back as I could to avoid focusing on it.

alainh has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

mimi (2321) 2004-01-26 22:50

Wow! Fantastic shot. It looks like it's exploding. Thanks for the tip on using the black card. The black background makes the shot much more dramatic. I love the diagonal composition, too.

snuggleaphagus (4138) 2004-01-26 22:54

Your photograph is so beautiful. The everyday becomes magical. The detail on the white fuzzies is unbeliveable. I like how the greens and the black are in the background giving the white center stage. It's as if fairies slept in the plant. Thank you for your technique.

thien (2102) 2004-01-26 23:07

Your ability to see normal things and turn them into extraordinary images is uncanny. The exposure control here is just superb. The ballance is just enough so you can feel the lightness of the feathers. How many photographers actually carries a black card with them? :D

henrye (3498) 2004-01-27 2:28

Another photo you took whilst driving! The effort to stop and take the phtograph deserves a smiley already :-)
Wonderful macro photography. Great detail and colors. I also like the composition. Well done!

avigur_11 (21271) 2004-01-27 4:17

The thumbnail looks like another one of your star wars shots. It's beautiful. A good idea to use a black card as a background. The white hair are sharp and shiny. a very very nice macro. Very well done, David.

manny (21378) 2004-01-27 4:36

This is very pretty. Colors are very concentrated and I can almost see the movement/ bursting here. A simple, common object for people in your area but you definitely portrayed a beautiful dynamic aspect of this object. David, this is very good. I also learne some new technique from you today. This is a favorite.

clodreno (0) 2004-01-27 5:16

Interesting picture, and interesting note. The result is very good. The sharpness is nice, the composition perfect.
And.... for me it's always mysterious. Bravo.

jrj (34777) 2004-01-27 7:50

The common plant lifts itself in this fine composition David. A smart move to have the black background, adds for the main motive to have the best attention. Well done.

joseelias (367) 2004-01-27 7:53

Very engaging macro! The textures and colors are awsome.

Good note too. The black card technique is very interesting. Never thought about that... The problem is that I almost only shoot castles, ships and things like that... I guess I must buy a bigger car for the card I need! :0)

digitalpix (215) 2004-01-27 8:07

A great macro shot of a great subject!Wonderful exposure control. The black card really did the trick. The "fuzzies" in the upper right corner are a bit distracting but you did a good job of minimizing with DOF.

RSalvo (82) 2004-01-27 8:34

Spectacular. Great precision on the focus and a great control over light. Congratulations.

Motrem (2392) 2004-01-27 11:46

Great! The control of the exposure gave an excellent result. Your note is interesting and teaches us a supplementary technique. Very net as embellish with images.
Superbe! Le contrôle de l'exposition a donné un excellent résultat. Votre note est intéressante et nous apprend une technique supplémentaire. Très nette comme image.

soundsangels (1695) 2004-01-27 12:15

Douceurs..couleurs et textures...magnifiques.

swallace (972) 2004-01-27 14:50

Nice shot David. I like the effect the black card adds. I've wondered about trying that also. I had to smile when you talked about screeching to a stop. I've been the same way since getting my new camera. Good job on the photo.

Eagle78 (1925) 2004-01-27 14:53

Amazing capture David! This is a wonderful macro. Nothing to say...good note too!

eelliott305 (776) 2004-01-27 16:31

All your effort was worthwhile to acheive a result like this. Great detail on the seeds and white hairs. An exciting shot.

zto (292) 2004-01-27 16:37

This is wonderfull David. The details of teh hairs is fantastic. An Exelent shot. I like the diagonal as well. Thanks for the tip about the black card.

Couldn't resist trying a WS were i made it in to a B&W. Just for the fun of it. :)

[workshop] [compare]

mikhalych (1311) 2004-01-28 5:19

Great macro, David! And thanks for the idea of black card, I only wish that I would have one when going to photosession :).
And thanks to Zandra for showing that it looks good in B&W, too.

Georges (11183) 2004-01-28 16:31

La macro est vraiment très bien composé avec de très bons détails.
Le cadrage et votre présentation finissent parfaitement votre image.
Bravo David c'est du bon travail.

Jeppe (18623) 2004-01-30 6:10

Amazing shot you have made here David. You surely got the shot in the right moment - Properly with a quick shutter speed - Fantastic DOF and sharpness - Very well done. (Thanks for the note - My family also beginning to learn patience ;-)

CoolDan (2490) 2004-02-14 17:00

Magnifique macro David. Ces petites graines de pollen à moitié sorti de leur cosse qui sont prêtes à s'envoler au premier coup de vent. Moment très bien saisi.

alainh (35341) 2005-08-24 14:54

hello David
congratulations for your splendid gallery.
Always beautiful shots, often dramatics and darks shots qith a perfect use of the light.
you have the good eye.
this one is a pleasure
have a good day David
regards of France
alain