Change of key

A glorious English summer’s day at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London. Floral shots are everywhere.

This is a case of a single shot and two takes. The first (below) is saturated with bright yellow and green, almost luminescent. I decided to try again, winding down the exposure compensation. The shot above is still bursting with life, colour and summer – but is deeper, richer in tone.

The high key shot has quite an artistic feel to it, with bold brush strokes. I can’t decide between the different qualities of the two photographs. Which do you prefer?

Tags: art, Chelsea Physic Garden, floral, high key, low key, luminescence, photography, two takes

13 thoughts on “Change of key”

ckponderings on July 20, 2013 at 16:09 said:

Top shot – more natural. :)

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belgradestreets on July 19, 2013 at 10:49 said:

I prefer the high key shot, you can feel the heat of the summer sun….

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 19, 2013 at 22:01 said:
  
  Thanks Andy. Well there certainly was plenty of strong sunshine that day.
  
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jdtphotography.co.uk on July 17, 2013 at 09:41 said:

Hi Mike……I prefer the top image and it is great to see some blooms from the physic garden….off to read your next post.

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 18, 2013 at 18:14 said:
  
  Thanks James… you are with the majority overall with your choice… I must admit I tend to agree!
  
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dianajhale on July 13, 2013 at 22:31 said:

I would like the second one more if the flower on the left had not lost all its detail!

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 13, 2013 at 22:43 said:
  
  Yes, it’s more of a splodge! The whole feel is more broad brushstrokes rather than fine focus.
  
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Carine on July 13, 2013 at 15:29 said:

I prefer the first one better, with the beautiful contrast of colors :-)

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 13, 2013 at 15:30 said:
  
  Thank you Carine. Hmmm, seems to be a whitewash so far!
  
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islandmomma on July 13, 2013 at 15:18 said:

Agree. I prefer the colors in the top one too.

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 13, 2013 at 15:28 said:
  
  Thank you Linda. I’m trying to stay on the fence thus far!
  
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Kiki on July 13, 2013 at 13:31 said:

Hi Mike, I prefer the top shot – I like the deep and luscious colours!

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 13, 2013 at 13:33 said:
  
  Thanks Kiki, I appreciate you stopping by. The bottom one has funkier bokeh, though!
  
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