Work in Progress
- Laura Marsh
- Apr 1, 2021
- 3 min read
Editing Choices - Macro
I have been experimenting with macro while out shooting recently, seeing how close I can get to the objects to capture the details and delicate structures against the ground. Keeping the background dark in post- production by using a vignette, which helps almost ‘spotlight’ the centre, drawing the viewer into the focal point. I like how I can capture how the leaf has attached itself to the pavement, almost merging.
In fig 1, I did feel the light in the centre created by the vignette darkening the outer frame, was too light, taking that softness aesthetic away. The same way the colours are a little too muted and light, so I decided to edit this again (fig 2) by reducing the central brightness, which allowed more detail to come through. I increased the colour contrast with a small amount of HDR to help bring out the colour and textures of the leaf and the pavement. By doing this, I feel the veins or skeleton of the leaf is clearer and stands out more. The central line of the leaf almost acting now as a leading line from top to bottom or bottom to top of the frame, almost reminds me of the nervous system, which is another link to the human body I could reference.
I also felt after this edit that there may have been too much negative space near the top of the image, so I decided to crop about 2cm off the image (fig 3). This has allowed the leaf to take the full frame, but I believe the element of seeing slight surroundings is something I want to keep and not remove, upon reflection.
Fig 5-7: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile, Edit Sequence
I applied the same process and editing technique to Figures 5-7 above, Removing the lightness from the centre and bring the detail into focus, then cropping the last image.
In Figures 8 and 9 below, I applied filters using Snapseed. The first is ‘Faded Glow’ which gives a vintage feel. This I do not feel works well as it mutes the colours and tones of the image. Figure 9 I applied a ‘Fine Art’ filter, turning the image monochrome. I do not believe this style works for my work, although it does highlight the detail and make the image more abstract, losing the colour takes away the impact of the image as it is in Figures 6 and 7 above.
Fig 8-9: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile, Filter Edit and Monochrome Edit
This next image was shot in landscape composition. I have used high contrast and added HDR as a small boost of colour within the details, again showing the way the leaf has attached itself to the pavement. I do not feel this image works well, I feel I am too close with the camera, losing some of the leaf off frame and cropping it. Although, this does leave the leaf to lead the viewer’s eyes around the image, following all the small veins. The vignette is also not as dark as previous images which I feel leave the image lighter and more of an observation than a metaphor. I may re-edit to see if darkening the edges give more impact, but I do not feel it is a strong image compared to the ones above.
The two images below, are of the same leaf as figures 1-3. Here I shot straight and not at an angle, but slightly at ground level with the leaf. I have applied a vignette in Fig 11 and increased the contrast, then in Fig 12 I reduced the brightness within the vignette and applied a slight amount of HDR again, to bring out the colours and textures. This time I did not crop the image and eft the negative space in the background.
In summary, I like the effect that using the macro gives the images, narrowing the focal range and allowing the viewer to study the detail more closely. What I have noticed is how the leaves not only relate to the human skeleton, but also the nervous system, this could be another angle I could discuss and explore.
Figures:
Fig 1: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile
Fig 2: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile
Fig 3: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile
Fig 4: Laura Marsh, 2021, Edit Notes
Fig 5-7: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile, Edit Sequence
Fig 8-9: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile, Filter Edit and Monochrome Edit
Fig 10: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile
Fig 11: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile, Edit 1
Fig 12: Laura Marsh, 2021, Fragile, Edit 2
Comments