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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> CSLR Challenge 123 - Low Key (Hosted by CJ) >> Eligible > Prairie Fameflower
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26-JUN-2008 Victor Engel

Prairie Fameflower

Canon EOS 5D
1/500s f/7.1 at 300.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Canon DSLR Challenge08-Jul-2008 16:19
While I like this, it does seem "too bright" for a low-key image, even though it does seem to meet the "letter of the law". Maybe it's the stems being so bright that ends up filling the space with the perception of lightness. While the ratio of dark to light may be reasonable, the fact that there are bright traces throughout the entire frame may be what makes it "feel" bright. If it was just the blossoms that were bright, that would somehow seem more "low key", but I'm not sure if it'd even be possible to get such an effect. Jim H.
Canon DSLR Challenge06-Jul-2008 23:01
Beautiful image! Was it taken in nature or at home/studio (which is what I assume)?
Canon DSLR Challenge28-Jun-2008 03:42
By the way, the mother of this plant is pictured in challenge 68. -- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge28-Jun-2008 03:07
Yes it does fit most of that quote Victor, but there sure are a LOT of small bright highlights and not a lot of shadows in the subject! :-D I actually like that cactus in your other image and think it would make a great subject for a low key shot. This really is a pretty plant and after looking it up, I think I can grow it here! :-) CJ
Canon DSLR Challenge28-Jun-2008 02:20
In the message of the challenge thread is quoted the following: "In a low-key image, dark tones dominate the photograph. Small, bright highlights punctuate the shadow areas, creating the characteristic mood of a low-key image. The position of the light source for a typical low-key image is behind the subject or behind and off to one side, creating deep shadows." So, what do we have here? Dark tones dominate - check, Small, bright highlights punctuate the shadow areas - check, position of the light source is behind the sujbect, check.

OK, maybe it's not REALLY a low key picture, but it sure seems to match the quote, which is why I posted it.

The original intended composition (not for this challenge but for my own self) is posted on my pbase account here:http://www.pbase.com/victorengel/image/99299736

-- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge28-Jun-2008 00:37
LOL....I agree, I agree, CJ.....but, the flowers are Sooooooooo delicate, so lovely, so substantial....I hate to PP 'em more...lol....ahhhhh, tough choices. Best Wishes, Traveller
Canon DSLR Challenge27-Jun-2008 20:49
What pretty little flowers Victor! While the background is dark and the histogram would show this to consist of dark tones, the flowers seem a little bright to me to make this a low key image, maybe high contrast, but I think it could be made to fit the topic better with a little more PP. Others may think differently and I'd like to hear their comments. Lovely though and I'd like to plant some of these at my house! :-) CJ