Little tree, big image

[october]

Hi all,
I posted this tree last year, I figured I would start a new thread about it. The tree has progressed very well. Also, I am trying out some new photography set ups. Just experimenting at the moment. Anyway, this tree is very small, but it thinks it's a full size tree.

If anyone is interested, here is the original thread about this tree.

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?10961-Whip-it-good

Rob

 

[ericN]

Another awsome tree Rob!

Eric

 

[Dav4]

Looking good, Rob. I was going to ask the size of this one as it does seem "big", even though it fits in the palm of your hand. I like the pot shape and size but would prefer a dark brown unglazed version....and your photo technique seems spot on.

 

[Siguy]

I wish there was a "Like" button. The photography and the specimen are both exceptional.

 

[Poink88]

Another nice one. I love it.

 

[october]

Thanks Eric

Hi Dave. I has initially contemplated about the unglazed pot. I had this pot one lying around. It was the perfect size. Also, since the tree is so small, I thought something just slighlty more colorful such as this rust color, light glaze, might make the tree pop a little. I think these trees this size need much more help than larger trees to be attention getters. If this tree was Chuhin or Dai size, I would never put it in a pot like this one is in.

Rob

 

[GrimLore]

Sure looks nice! I would have a hard time choosing a pot. I think it looks fine as is and would stand out even more against a light backdrop. Very nice as always

Grimmy

 

[AboveBeyond]

Aweome as always Rob. What's your new photography setup? I need some ideas to setup my own. Thanks!

 

[october]

Thanks Dario and Siguy

Sure looks nice! I would have a hard time choosing a pot. I think it looks fine as is and would stand out even more against a light backdrop. Very nice as always

Grimmy

Hi Grim,
Like this?

Rob

 

[Poink88]

Rob, I prefer the lighter background. The dark blue is classy but doesn't show the tree as well IMHO.

 

[october]

Aweome as always Rob. What's your new photography setup? I need some ideas to setup my own. Thanks!

Thank you. I used a black T shirt. I drapped the t shirt over a large flat, unopened box. Essentiually a flat piece of cardboard. I held the tree about 1-2 feet away form the back drop. The lighting in the roon is pretty much just natual light, not sun, from the windows. Also, I edit the photos as well. I darken or contrast as needed. I clean up the pics, but still try to maintain the natural integrity of the tree.

Rob

 

[Dav4]

Thanks Eric

Hi Dave. I has initially contemplated about the unglazed pot. I had this pot one lying around. It was the perfect size. Also, since the tree is so small, I thought something just slighlty more colorful such as this rust color, light glaze, might make the tree pop a little. I think these trees this size need much more help than larger trees to be attention getters. If this tree was Chuhin or Dai size, I would never put it in a pot like this one is in.

Rob

The nice thing about this tree/pot composition is that the color is dark and doesn't overwhelm the tree at all. I think it could look better in a Bigei pot if you can find the right size/shape- The dark, burnished brown color would really suit this tree. It shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, either.

 

[october]

Rob, I prefer the lighter background. The dark blue is classy but doesn't show the tree as well IMHO.

I completely agree.

Rob

 

[berobinson82]

Hey Rob,

I like this tree a bunch. I've a smaller kishu that I believe will get twisted like this in the very near future. Please consider it flattery.

Can we talk photography since you're experimenting currently?

Most of the setups for bonsai shoots I have seen are set up that the camera is farther back from the tree. Sometimes 10' - 15'. Besides providing scale, with your hand, do you think a farther shot with a more narrow focal point might better present your image?

Are you employing any supplemental lighting?
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-...=8-2&keywords=cowboy+photography+lighting+kit

I liked this article on the subject by Carl T. Bergstrom:

Old Mister Crow's Guide to Photographing Bonsai and kusamono
http://octavia.zoology.washington.edu/bonsai/photography/

Not saying your composition isn't a good one. Just like discussing.

B

 

[GrimLore]

Hi Grim,
Like this?

Rob

YES! Now to me that looks VERY good. Just my opinion but that combo of pot and plant lends to an old and established look.

Grimmy

 

[october]

Hey Rob,

I like this tree a bunch. I've a smaller kishu that I believe will get twisted like this in the very near future. Please consider it flattery.

Can we talk photography since you're experimenting currently?

Most of the setups for bonsai shoots I have seen are set up that the camera is farther back from the tree. Sometimes 10' - 15'. Besides providing scale, with your hand, do you think a farther shot with a more narrow focal point might better present your image?

Are you employing any supplemental lighting?
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-...=8-2&keywords=cowboy+photography+lighting+kit

I liked this article on the subject by Carl T. Bergstrom:

Old Mister Crow's Guide to Photographing Bonsai and kusamono
http://octavia.zoology.washington.edu/bonsai/photography/

Not saying your composition isn't a good one. Just like discussing.

B

Thank you and I will read the articles you provided. Yes, further back would be better. I am not really using any supplemetal lighting. Except maybe the light in the room. Taking a pic from farther away, would show the tree in a more accurate proportion. I think that one of the problems photographing bonsai is not only light, but scale. We have all photographed a tree and then looked at the pic and said, the tree is not that full or the apex is not that big. Sometimes the camera is right on the money, other times, it is a skewed perspective. I imagine that being farther back would elimate this.

Rob

 

[KennedyMarx]

Rob this is one of my favorite of your trees. Smaller trees are a real delight and this one is so well put together and styled. It's really inspiring. I need to order some whips from Brent and aim for something similar.

 

[october]

Rob this is one of my favorite of your trees. Smaller trees are a real delight and this one is so well put together and styled. It's really inspiring. I need to order some whips from Brent and aim for something similar.

Thanks Kennedy. To me, it's not about having big trees, just big ideas.

Rob

 

[edprocoat]

Rob, I prefer the lighter background. The dark blue is classy but doesn't show the tree as well IMHO.

Dario, but did you notice how the blue background made the blue veins in Rob's wrist just POP ! ?

ed

 

[Neli]

Absolute perfection...I love it....Congrats on the job well done.