Paul Smith
October 2025 - Paddle Plant in Autumn
Original
About the Image(s)
This was shot with on my Canon 80D, using Canon EF 100 MM Macro, and tripod…2 second delay “click”. For PP, I used Topaz De-Noise and Sharpener, and a Topaz Studio 2 preset. From there, I called on NIK Silver Efex for Mono conversion. SS 1/4, Aperture F/16, ISO 250. The paddle leaves are just now beginning to show the effects of cooler nights. We take the plants in this weekend!
11 comments posted
You have chosen a subject that is difficult and have done a good job producing the image. The difficulty is that the subject is almost entirely green and no really strong light source. I wonder how the image would look if you really cranked up the whites and the blacks to make the image a lot more contrasty. I also wonder what the leaves would look like up close in an abstract photo that might help bring out the light on the edges of the leaves. The curves of the leaves might be interesting with a much darker leaf subject matter and well lit edges. Great plant to have as an always available subject! I wonder how many images you could create from this plant. Posted: 10/10/2025 20:45:52
I will take your advice and take a few shots, closer to the leaves Posted: 10/22/2025 17:46:23
My idea would be to get in closer and maybe add some additional light to emphasize the edges. Maybe try focus stacking since the subject isn't going anywhere. This plant is a wonderful subject and you can try many different possibilities! Posted: 10/23/2025 18:05:27
As said you have chosen a difficult subject to produce a good monochrome image. But there are tones in there. You say that you put it through Silver Efex. But you must have put it into Silver Efex and back out again without using any of the tolls to pull the tones out. You have this nice rim of red on the tops of the leaves and there lots of tones in those greens that the eye is not seeing.
So I ran your original back through Silver Efex 8 using Preset Street High Contrast, then tweaked the detail and tonal. Added Clearview 10% and added a border 14. Now this may be over the top but it does show what is in the image. So something in-between the two would be the choice. Posted: 10/13/2025 11:16:51
So I ran your original back through Silver Efex 8 using Preset Street High Contrast, then tweaked the detail and tonal. Added Clearview 10% and added a border 14. Now this may be over the top but it does show what is in the image. So something in-between the two would be the choice. Posted: 10/13/2025 11:16:51
Excellent adaptation. I like yours better! Posted: 10/22/2025 17:47:47
Paul, I agree that this subject is difficult to do in monochrome but has alot of potential. It may lend itself to a nice abstract by increasing contrast and texture and then cropping in to the curves in the middle. Or taking images from various perspectives with different lighting. It is a nice plant to work with for various images. Posted: 10/19/2025 22:18:01
...my year-round go to plant Posted: 10/22/2025 17:48:42
A great subject with good possibility for processing to make it stronger.
I have to agree woth the others. Overall it is quite flat with little definition, no shadow to light areas that would provide depth. The version by Paul works hovern it might be too harsh. For me, except for the top of the right hand leaf, nothing is in focus. The partial leaf bottom left corner tends to be a distraction as it tends to be darker than the rest. I made some adjustments and a crop, let me know what you think. Posted: 10/21/2025 22:33:30
I have to agree woth the others. Overall it is quite flat with little definition, no shadow to light areas that would provide depth. The version by Paul works hovern it might be too harsh. For me, except for the top of the right hand leaf, nothing is in focus. The partial leaf bottom left corner tends to be a distraction as it tends to be darker than the rest. I made some adjustments and a crop, let me know what you think. Posted: 10/21/2025 22:33:30
Flat...yes, my version IS FLAT. I like what you have done. Thanks Posted: 10/22/2025 17:50:02
You like the challenge Paul...
Not easy to increase the texture and contrast.
At first look I wonder if to crop the image to keep the center and half of the petals (portrait format) could bring a nice effect? A way to circumvent the difficulties of light and contrast. Just a personal suggestion. Posted: 10/23/2025 09:36:48
Not easy to increase the texture and contrast.
At first look I wonder if to crop the image to keep the center and half of the petals (portrait format) could bring a nice effect? A way to circumvent the difficulties of light and contrast. Just a personal suggestion. Posted: 10/23/2025 09:36:48
Paul - your image has certainly drawn out recommendations from others far more experienced than I - I'm amazed what Paul H and David have achieved! Posted: 10/26/2025 12:42:01