Shot of the Month – July 2025

Last month we explored a non-traditional approach to Tulip photography using a “zoom effect.”  This month, we will revisit a more traditional approach – subject isolation.    You can read more about the use of subject isolation in this post:

The Beauty of Isolation

For tulip photography, we are looking for a composition that allows one flower to stand out amongst a field of so many.  The image from that original post:

In the image above, I positioned myself to highlight the contrast between the flower and the background, allowing the subject to stand out clearly.  A fairly shallow depth of field also helped isolate the flower.

In the next image, I used a shallow depth of field to blur the background with only the subject (flower) being in sharp detail to catch our eye.

In this shot I used both color and depth of field to isolate the yellow flower.

In the next image, I used the difference in color to highlight the yellow flower.  The backlighting adds a nice dash of drama to the scene:

And for the next flower, we will explore how different compositions of the same scene offer a different feel:

Version 1:

Version 2:

Version 3:

And Version 4 in Landscape:

Have a favorite?  And between versions 1 – 4, do you find that one appeals to you most?

In terms of visual impact, I love the vibrant colors and fun contrasts.  And nonsensically, I find myself rooting for the lone flower standing bravely on her own.  Another example of the wonders of art and how we apply our own meaning, stories, and sagas to an otherwise “neutral” scene.

 

Until next month…..michael

 

 

Nikon D500, Nikon 600mm, 1.4x TC, 1/640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 320