F-stop 2.8, Exposure 1/400s, ISO 200, Focal 70mm, no flash
The original photo show the complete orchid but I cropped it just to show the centre part. I used Lightroom to "blacken" the image slightly and then use the adjustment brush to increase the exposure of the centre centre part.
F 16, 1/250s, ISO 3200, 70mm, flash
This photo was taken during the morning at 10:00AM while it was raining slightly. I did not put a black curtain behind. I should have locked the ISO down to 200! But never mind, I got the effect I want.How it was done:
Camera was on manual mode. Behind these flowers is a white wall. Therefore, if I shoot directly, the white wall will spoil the effect of the required black background as it will give me a white background.
So, I shifted myself and ensure that the nearest object in the background is some 20-30 feet away. On manual mode, I adjusted the aperture so that it showed at least 3 stops under expose. I was holding a white umbrella and pointed my flash up on the umbrella. I was squatting about 3 feet from the flower.
Release the shutter and I got a picture with a dark background! Then I used Lightroom to adjust "Black" and a perfect black background is obtained. If you want to ask more question, you can always attend my photography class or buy me a breakfast!
'To see all my photos on flower, please click here.
