I was doing closeup photography of the flowers at the CSU Trial Gardens in Ft. Collins, and I liked this little scene of a couple of painters also capturing the blooms. Not sure if I got the technical aspects right, as I am having new-computer issues without Windows activation, and my monitor screen is darker than normal and I can't change it. This photo was taken on a pleasant day, mid morning, with sun and clear skies.
Camera: Nikon Z8. I was experimenting with a new Lensbaby Velvet 85 lens, and this was shot at shutter speed 1/100, aperture around 2 (it doesn't show up in the metadata), ISO 1250 because the men were pretty dark in the shade of the big tree. In post processing I used the white/black and highlights/shadows sliders and some clarity. I did lose a lot of detail in the white flowers in the background.
3 comments posted
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Ardeth, indeed the two gentlemen are conversing and probably comparing notes about their paintings and techniques. The framed picture next to. one of the chairs emphasizes the topic. I see you moved up to a Nikon Z8 (the best affordable professional camera). I am not familiar with the lensbaby, but with an aperture of f/2 the background should have been a lot more blurry. The area of the flowers is a little overexposed. Posted: 09/11/2026 11:43:16
Ardeth Carlson
I was mostly shooting at f/2 to f/4 for achieving the soft-focus look that is characteristic of the Lensbaby lenses. In the Metadata the aperture setting doesn't show. I probably changed to f/5.6 for this wider shot. Most of my shots were high key with a very shallow depth of field intentionally, so this was just a one-off from what I was doing that day. Posted: 09/11/2026 14:35:06
Jen Fawkes
(Group 4)
Hi Ardeth, I love the fact you are doing some 'different' photography and you see a scene that works for PJ. (The sign of a true photojournalist!). I have a velvet 85mm so I am surprised that the men are so sharp at f2 as this lens gives an overall softness. I know it works well for flower photography.
This is a nice HI image with a scene that makes the viewer feel relaxed in a lovely location. The story is clear, painters in the gardens, and the interaction between them is nice. Its also good that we can see one face and some of the artwork. Posted: 09/11/2026 20:50:05
