Murphy Hektner, APSA
October 2026 - Rose Buds
About the Image(s)
Nikon 850 with Nikon 200mm Nikon Macro lens - tripod mounted - ISO 500 - 1/200 sec. @ f/16 - cloudy - No wind - Photoflex Soft-gold reflector - Post processed in Elements.
Had been watching our Rose bushes for a nice compositional arrangement to make a photo of. This one bush called out to me as I liked the general arrangement of the flowers. The green background is out of focus trees in the distance. The soft cloudy lighting of the day was ideal.
6 comments posted
I really like this peaceful photo of the buds. Simple color palette and background devoid of distractions.
I like the hint of light, but no loss of detail.
Great job! Posted: 10/02/2026 22:20:54
I like the hint of light, but no loss of detail.
Great job! Posted: 10/02/2026 22:20:54
The texture of the background is beautiful. The roses are sharp. The colour of the roses is in sharp contrast with the background. Soft light. Nice border. Posted: 10/15/2026 17:36:15
Indeed a great job.
Sharpness of the flower. You have thought to use f/16. We (I) forget that from time to time... The combinaison of color is beautiful, and the "detail" of the green frame also adds contributes to the beauty of this picture.
The composition is also well done, namely the number of flowers and their different stripes of live (bud and petals). Posted: 10/16/2026 09:05:10
Sharpness of the flower. You have thought to use f/16. We (I) forget that from time to time... The combinaison of color is beautiful, and the "detail" of the green frame also adds contributes to the beauty of this picture.
The composition is also well done, namely the number of flowers and their different stripes of live (bud and petals). Posted: 10/16/2026 09:05:10
Hi Vincent: I use f/16 a lot depending on the situation. The best results are when the background is in the distance so it is well out of focus. If your background is close to your subject with the added depth of field f/16 provides,
then the background will be too much in focus and be very distracting. Look back at prior months and take note of the f stop I used for that particular flower setting.
Thanks for your positive comments. Posted: 10/16/2026 16:00:58
then the background will be too much in focus and be very distracting. Look back at prior months and take note of the f stop I used for that particular flower setting.
Thanks for your positive comments. Posted: 10/16/2026 16:00:58
I'm impressed in how you have the red of the rose buds standing out with the green of the stems and sepals. For my eye the flower is in very good focus and I like the blurred background.
I've not shot rosebuds like this but now I have a guide for next season when I'm visiting the rose gardens around me.
I like it. Posted: 10/16/2026 15:39:15
I've not shot rosebuds like this but now I have a guide for next season when I'm visiting the rose gardens around me.
I like it. Posted: 10/16/2026 15:39:15
Hi Ed: Thanks for the positive comments, very much appreciated.
In shooting Roses watch for distractions in the background. You can photograph the most beautiful Rose, however a busy and distracting background can ruin the picture. Posted: 10/16/2026 16:10:59
In shooting Roses watch for distractions in the background. You can photograph the most beautiful Rose, however a busy and distracting background can ruin the picture. Posted: 10/16/2026 16:10:59