Andres Valdespino
July 2026 - Dandelion
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
In one of my photo groups the assignment for May was Minimalism. I was inspired by Robert's dandelion shot last month and thought I could use the humble dandelion for the assignment. I don't think it worked for the assignment but I did like the idea of elevating a dandelion to be the focus of a photo. This is a series. The first is a posed dandelion in a vase. Then a deep close up with a white textured background. Finally, what I hope looks like a dandelion flying away. I look forward to your comments. I will be away from July 1 through the 14th, with limited wifi, so please expect a delay in responding to comments or posting comments.
14 comments posted
Andres, The vase that you chose is a nice for the first shot. The opening of the vase simulates the round head of the dandelion and is nicely done in black and white. The series might be pulled together a little more by having the vase in all three shots and the change occurs with the dandelion head. It might help to have something in the last image that gives the "feel" of movement like the dandelion seeds blowing off the head of the dandelion. This is a great subject to work with and I would be interested in seeing a series of changes in the dandelion with the rest of the components remaining the same to keep the viewer focused on the dandelion. Posted: 07/07/2026 00:31:27
Thanks for your comments Cindy. There are so many ways to do a series, and using the vase for all three would have been a good choice. Your are right that a few stray seeds falling off the dandelion would have given a better sense of motion. Appreciate your comments. Posted: 07/16/2026 01:48:36
Andres, what an interesting and fun exercise. The image with the vase is nice in monochrome and I like the shadows on the table as well as the light on the vase. I think the image would be stronger with the dandelion in focus. I agree with Cindy's suggestions about including the vase in the other images and indicating movement with seeds blowing off the dandelion. I have always wanted to try macro with a dandelion so now you have given me a push! Posted: 07/09/2026 16:54:45
Thanks Mary Ann. You are right that the dandelion in the vase should have been in better focus. I agree about the seeds better showing motion. Thanks for the input. Posted: 07/16/2026 01:50:12
Andres, that's wonderful that Robert's photo inspired you to do your own dandelion series. I think monochrome works well for the images. The lighting with the spotlight on the dandelion adds to the dramatic look. I like the shadows of the vase in the first shot. The dandelion itself is on the soft side. I'm curious if you used a tripod for the photos, since your lighting was so dark. A tripod or faster shutter speed would help provide sharpness and help capture flying dandelion fluff. Posted: 07/09/2026 19:07:52
Thanks for your comments Ruth. I agree that the dandelion in the vase is a bit soft. A higher shutter speed would have been better. I checked and the shot with the vase was taken at 1/60. I did not use a tripod, but that is also a good suggestion. I just recently started working with backdrops and these are great suggestions. With a tripod and faster shutter speed would also have allowed me to capture some seeds blowing off. Thanks again. Posted: 07/16/2026 01:56:00
Andres, I'm glad that my shot of the dandelion inspired you. I like your composition and dramatic look. Now you've inspired me to think about revisiting the subject. The dandelions seem to keep popping up, so I will have opportunities in the future. Posted: 07/09/2026 23:38:31
Thanks Robert. I very much enjoyed this and may try again using suggestions made in this group. Thanks. Posted: 07/16/2026 01:57:09
Hi Andres,
Your image is intriguing with a dark background and shadows! The B&W conversion is a good choice but it does not fit the minimalist photography since there are more components in the background that distract the viewer to focus entirely on the subject.
Could you kindly explain why you used 2 light sources with the 2 shadows are not equally dark (one is much fuzzier than the other)? I'd prefer to sharpen the dandelion and to eliminate the glare on the vase. Thanks for sharing your experiment! Posted: 07/12/2026 15:30:11
Your image is intriguing with a dark background and shadows! The B&W conversion is a good choice but it does not fit the minimalist photography since there are more components in the background that distract the viewer to focus entirely on the subject.
Could you kindly explain why you used 2 light sources with the 2 shadows are not equally dark (one is much fuzzier than the other)? I'd prefer to sharpen the dandelion and to eliminate the glare on the vase. Thanks for sharing your experiment! Posted: 07/12/2026 15:30:11
Thanks Kieu-Hanh. I submitted the solo dandelion shots for the minimalism assignment. The vase is absolutely not minimalist. The lighting actually came from a ceiling light slightly off to the side of the object. By moving the table with the vase, I was able to get the double shadow. I liked that the two shadows were not equally dark. Thanks again. Posted: 07/16/2026 02:02:25
Thanks for your explanation about 2 light sources,Andres! Posted: 07/16/2026 12:30:04
Andrew. I like your dandelion. in the vase, but because I really can't see it well enough, I will not comment o this. Sorry about that. Love the dandelions when hey get the seeded with the lighting really exaggerating the play of light and dark different and less focused eyesight. Posted: 07/15/2026 18:54:28
Thanks for your comments Joan. Appreciate it. Posted: 07/16/2026 02:02:52
Thanks for your comments Joan. Appreciate it. Posted: 07/16/2026 15:28:43