Saturday, December 17, 2016

A Few Seasonal Decorations

I confess that I don't really know how to do macro photography although these are just close shots and don't really qualify as macros.

What I mean, is that I know how to focus and press the shutter, but that I lack some sort of a sense in how to set things up properly and what to do in post. Of course, it doesn't help that I don't try it very often, so I haven't been able to learn much through experience.

I have tried to set up a few shots of Christmas decs, but I have a lot to learn.

This first setup is on a little table in the hallway that I moved to a better spot (at least supposedly so) for the picture. Then, I painted in what I thought was a seasonal background in post, but it's not a very good piece in conception. It is sharp enough because I used focus-stacking (which I won't explain now), but the presentation is certainly lacking.


My next effort is almost as bad but adding the words redeemed the result a tad.


Finally, I shot two candles and their holders and used soft, glowy processing, and I like the result better. It's not perfect but seems closer to being adequate. I wonder if I'll ever get this type of photography? Possibly not, for we each have our strengths and weaknesses.


But it did give me the opportunity to show you a few of our Christmas knickknacks.

Maybe I'll try some more in due course.


12 comments:

Marie Smith said...

Very good job! I like the way you've highlighted the pieces.

Donna said...

I love macro but to take the kind of landscape shots you do??? No Way!
Your photos are gorgeous Ac...
And these are great...
hughugs

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

These look great! I have about given up shooting indoors- I cannot get the light right.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Great job, sir! Have a Merry Christmas :)

Silver in AZ said...

I love macro of nature, but I've never attempted to spruce it up in post add-on / editing. I personally prefer to let nature speak for itself.

You are great at what you do. If you want the challenge to widen your expertise and have fun doing it, fine, but don't beat yourself up in the process. ;)

KGMom said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, and your family.

Tabor said...

Well, that doe put me in the spirit.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

These sure looked good to me, John. I admit to also not being particularly good at macro shots, but I do enjoy arranging/re-arranging objects for a photo shoot. Thanks for showing off some of your holiday decor in a creative way.

Mara said...

Very beautiful, all three of them. Perhaps it's just me, but I think the last one might be even more beautiful with red candles, to let them stand out just a tad more. But that's just me thinking aloud.

Shammickite said...

I agree about the red candles!
Your photography of your Christmas knick-knacks is very nice! My Christmas stuff is all staying in the box this year.... no tree, nobody coming here so the only person who will put the tree up is the person who will put it all away. OK, I'm not really a grinch. I just want an easy life!!!!

Kay said...

I think they look gorgeous! The candles are very artistic.

Jenn Jilks said...

How creative! I built a snowman today.