We decided to get out of here for the day to Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, PA (about 1:45 from home). Sue wanted to get new instructional images for a presentation and I wanted to wring out our new D800E. We had bright overcast, which spread the soft light evenly throughout the conservatory. When getting into the conservatory, there was a lot of work going on cleaning, replanting, and preparing Longwood for the spring shows. It was interesting, because rather than being inundated with photo ops, I had to look a little harder and dig a little deeper. I didn’t shoot much, but for some reason had a high percentage of keepers.
The place was perfectly still when shooting the blog lead image, which enabled me to shoot a series of images for blending in Helicon Focus when we got home. I took 5 images, focusing on different places to get extreme sharpness in the stamen only.
I really like the D800E. Aside from the huge file sizes (220gb @ 16bit), the difference in sharpness from the D3X is slight, but the difference in dynamic range and file quality were very noticeable!
Here’s a small gallery from the day.
Among other topics, we’ll be talking flowers and getting geared up for spring flower photography at our March 17 Digital Photography Creativity Seminar in Essington, PA, just outside of Philly!
Thanks for visiting and we’ll see you online!
Tony
I don’t see any of that Chris.
Great images Tony, I am also thinking of buying the D800E but am reading on the internet about the left AF and green lcd problems, so I am holding back for now to see if Nikon fixes it…
Your work is so inspiring Tony and now that I’ve purchased a lensbaby I’m looking forward to taking more creative floral shots.
Thx Roger. Looking fwd to TN!
Very much appreciate your kind comments, Steve!
Appreciate the kind comments, Steve!
much appreciated, Carl!!
Thx much Josh! Have a great couple of days and a great workshop!!
Stunning Images! Will be at Longwood for two days next week—getting ready for orchid photography workshop. Don’t forget the blue poppies at LG.
Beautiful, Tony, I love your work. -Carl
Great captures as always Tony. Coincidentally drove there about a week ago… it was nice – quiet and not crowded! I’ve learned so much reading (and re-reading) your Fine Art Flower Photography book and your accompanying text of the “Why” as well as the “How” of composing compelling, artistic flower shots that capture the essence of their form, color, and texture!
Since I’m a jock I’ll use a sports analogy. When you’re headed into a game where your best player can’t start for the other team (or isn’t even the first or second player off the other team’s bench), you know you shouldn’t be playing in their league. I’m sick of your flower images; I have shot flowers for years but I no longer will play in gardens or nurseries or greenhouses. Sweet nothings tantalize my dreams but I awaken to the reality of my shots and your blog. Great stuff yet again Tony.
Good grief, you are so good with floral photography its just ridiculous. I’m with Ray…. I give up.. FANTASTIK man!
Beautiful! Makes me want to scrap all my flower images and start over….