Shades of Gray

Botanical photography is mostly recognized for the stunning colors and textures that flowers and plant-life in-general produces. But, I find that sometimes even flowers can look exceptional in a monochrome format. The above photograph was processed using Adobe’s Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro 4. The original RAW image from my camera only required modest adjustments in Photoshop CS6. I used two Presets in Color Efex Pro 4 to further enhance this image. The first preset I selected is called Big Sky. This preset is a somewhat high contrast preset, I then chose the B+W preset. The B+W preset is exactly what you would expect it to be, an excellent black and white preset which complimented the Big Sky preset nicely. Nik Software’s Presets allows you to try preconfigured setting and then you can make further adjusting from the selected preset. You can also combine presets for even more creative imagery. Nik Software brings value to Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom products.

To learn more about Nik Software’s Presets go to: Nik Software

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens, Exposure: 1/250s at f/7.1, ISO: 400, Focal Length: 105mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Unknown, Lighting: Off Camera Speedlight (Nikon SB-800), Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 & Nik Software – Color Efex Pro 4, Date: 8/16/2012 at 4:42 pm

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nature's Beauty

The above flower is commonly referred to as a Hibiscus (Disambiguation). There are several hundred species of Hibiscus that grow in warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of the world. The generic name is derived from the Greek word (hibiskos), which was given to Athaea officinalis. Many specimens of Hibiscus are used extensively in landscaping because of their flowers and size and also because they tend to attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Many countries around the world serve tea made from the Hibiscus flower. Hibiscus tea is known for its color and tangy flavor. The tea is a natural diuretic and it contains vitamin C and minerals. It can also be used as a mild medicine. Hibiscus flowers are often used as a garnish. They are also edible and can be candied.

To learn more about Hibiscus go to the: American Hibiscus Society and the: International Hibiscus Society.

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR Macro 105mm f/2.8G lens, Subject Distance: 1.12 meters, Exposure: 1/125s at f/8.0 – Manual: Matrix Metering, ISO: 200, Focal Length: 105mm, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight (off camera), Date: 06/27/2012 at 06:15 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved