why so dark and contrasty? because I like it that way, that's why :)
oh, ok, here's the longer explanation:
I typically take down the saturation in RAW at first, so I can see the image in terms of tonality and not be distracted by colorful elements. When I did that with this image, I saw an interesting play of light and dark that I really liked, and I brought up the contrast and shadow strongly in the RAW adjustments to accentuate the effect.
If this wasn't shot in shallow DOF, the particular wash of light and dark in the parts of the image beyond the DOF would not exist,in any notable way. I believe therefore that the choice of shallow DOF for this image serves a purpose beyond highlighting what the DOF is actually focused on. The sharp tip of the flower stalk is the focal point, and that takes you into the rest of the image.
Statistics
Place: 286 out of 324 Avg (all users): 4.4854 Avg (commenters): 4.4000 Avg (participants): 4.3699 Avg (non-participants): 4.5714 Views since voting: 917 Views during voting: 261 Votes: 171 Comments: 8 Favorites: 0
What I think is cool about this shot is the way the shallow DOF makes the OOF part seem larger than it really is - the way it expands. And I do agree with your tonality bit. I think I may with that more myself! Score is absurd, but you know that part already.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
