Technique Used?

[Tenatious]

Hey,

Just wondered if any of you photographers out there would know what techniques were used to capture images like the following:

http://500px.com/twomeows

Now obviously it's using a macro lens, and some Photoshop editing, but what sort of effects would be used in Photoshop to get the colours etc.

 

[Nexus]

It depends whether it's mostly been done in camera and then tweaked with post processing, or whether there is full on background replacement going on in Photoshop.

I don't think it's inconceivable that the backgrounds could be real, using something with a telephoto length and a large aperture is going to blow out the background so it renders it as just blocks of colours.

What perhaps isn't quite so obvious is whether the streaks and droplets of water are real. Those could have been added in Photoshop, but on the other hand, I believe most macro Photographers carry a water spraying device with them, so it's again possible that it's all in camera.

Looking at his shutter speeds, there is also evidence he may have used flash for a few of the shots, which can also help the colours pop.

 

[Andy90]

Quite possible to do a lot of what she has done in camera.

As you say, definately a Macro lens. When you're that close to insects whatever is behind them is often just a swathe of colour.

As for the Bokeh (out of focus highlights?) Possibly sprayed water, or even perhaps a sheet of glass with water sprayed onto it, once it is out of focus the water droplets will refract light and end up as bokeh.

Pop the photo through Photoshop to increase colour saturation and that I think would be it.

Oddly enough she uses the same Camera as me, a Canon EOS 50D and a 100mm lens - not sure if it is the Canon 100mm L Macro or the non L Macro, both are very capable performers. (edit) looking at his profile it is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens.

I'm certainly not on a par with her, but some of my shots have ended up with some nice backgrounds, so I know it is possible. Her shots are excellent.

Her Flickr shots can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/twomeows




Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) by Andy2580, on Flickr


African Daisy by Andy2580, on Flickr


Flower fireworks by Andy2580, on Flickr


Clematis Closeup by Andy2580, on Flickr


Japanese Anemone by Andy2580, on Flickr


Flower Bokeh by Andy2580, on Flickr