Photographer's Comment: I was sitting in my backyard trying to think of a different way to shoot a flower, while doing some paperwork and drinking some coffee. Looked down to take a drink when I figured out it was literally right under my nose. I noticed the reflection of my oak tree budding out in the coffee cup. Well this is the result, I kind of like it, but not sure about it. What do you think? Yes it was turned negative. Couldn't help it.

Tags: flora flower negative

Viewer Comments:

By smokeydawg (2008-05-09 11:43:45 ): Thanks Steve, I also thought the tree branch had a little oriental feel inside the cup also. Thanks for noticing! Carl

By smyers11 (2008-05-09 04:08:33 ): talk about seeing a photo in everything - really cool and creative carl. makes me think of cherry blossoms, almost an oriental setting. i just realized the blurry coffee cup then the crisp image inside, nice technique. i like the negative effect, gives the photo a mysterious effect.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-09 02:04:18 ): Thanks Sharon, this oak tree covers about 2/3 of my yard and about 1/3 of my neighbors yard. It's huge and I love it! My tree guy estimates it to be about 125 y/o Carl

By wilbs999 (2008-05-09 01:30:17 ): Wow. To have coffee in a place where you would see that in your cup, and be able to hang out. I love it. I think you have beautiful blooms hanging over your head. I might think about putting that one in the center and not leave the dark to the right, but heck, I love this shot.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 12:43:33 ): Thanks Bob. Well sometimes a little Kahlua sneeks into my coffee. :) Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 12:42:25 ): Thanks Audi! Like I say, this one was sitting right under my nose the whole time. Carl

By bobs1904 (2008-05-08 03:38:52 ): OK Carl, what was in the coffee? And don't tell me is was sugar. I drink manhattans for inspiration. I guess I'll have to drink coffee? No,I don't think so.Good eye and a great shot. Bob

By audlee (2008-05-08 03:05:41 ): Well Carl, there you go again! This is too cool. As I processed the image with your description it conjured up other reflections I've noticed in beverages -- good news for Jim - I believe it works with cream and liquors too! Well done, when I blow out a table top it never looks that good! audi.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 01:29:06 ): Thanks Steph! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 01:28:43 ): Ain't it great when that happens! :) Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 01:28:02 ): Thanks Marty! Always appreciate your feedback! Glad you like it! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-08 01:26:52 ): Thanks Frank, always appreciate your thoughts on my images. LoL, well I have been know to ride my Harley late at night, I feel like less of a "target" then. Hmmm Motorcycle mirror I'll have to remember that. :)

By GuitarGodsWife (2008-05-08 00:29:50 ): I think it's a really cool effect. Nicely done! It's kind of mystical.

By janith (2008-05-07 17:05:20 ): Mutual inspiration this week...

By MartyFuchs (2008-05-07 14:37:41 ): Carl, Awsome shot- i too thought it was a mirror or PS into a crystal ball of some sort- it was a great observation and an even better shot- and to do neg to get this- wow- i am very impressed- great job!!

By Scepter (2008-05-07 13:51:33 ): I really have to start reading the comments. I looked at this and thought it was the rearview from a motorcycle's mirror. Thought: Carl's got some big ones riding on such a dark, dark night out in the middle of nowhere.... Cool shot.

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 13:10:07 ): Thanks Wayne, LoL it is Dark Roast actually, and that darkside pull is pretty perrsistent. I also love it when an idea hits you square between the eyes, I learned a long time ago to pay attention when that happens, they don't always work, but when they do it's so satisfying! Thanks for taking the time to comment, always appreciate your feedback! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:59:58 ): Thanks Gretchen, it does look like a magnifying glass. I love it when things like this just happen. Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:58:16 ): Thanks Mo. I love it when an idea just hits us between the eyes! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:57:12 ): Thanks Nezel! Glad you like it! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:56:18 ): Thank you Linda! Appreciate the kind words! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:55:43 ): Thanks Paget! Glad you like it! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:53:03 ): Thanks Jan, I love when like you say an idea just hit's you suddenly and BOOM there it is! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:50:14 ): Thanks Jim, this was fun to play with! The idea like I say just kind of hit me between the eyes! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:49:05 ): Thanks CJ. The bg was a glass top patio table, which was boosted with a curves adj to bring out the tree branch reflection in the cup a little. This made the table a little bright and what gave me the idea to try the negative thing. Originally was just going to mask it back. So in actuality the bg is blown out. Appreciate the kind words! Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:45:02 ): Thanks Jimmy, Like I say, it was right under my nose, just had to "look". Carl

By smokeydawg (2008-05-07 12:44:03 ): Thanks Janith, I liked the suggestion of more color in the circle, so I uploaded a different version to my BV if you care to look. Carl

By CJGroth (2008-05-07 10:07:38 ): Hi Carl ... I think this is fabulous! I like very much that the coffee cup is out-of-focus and the tree is in such sharp focus. And the reverse is brilliant! How did you get the background so black? Wonderful!

By jimdstearns (2008-05-07 08:44:13 ): Well you did a great job Carl...very creative. But it would not work for me.. :o)...I like Half and Half in my coffee...Hmmm I wonder if I can get a reflection out of Scotch...gotten lot of dreams from the Scotch, got to check that out... :o)

By Isachsen (2008-05-07 08:25:35 ): How cool. By turning it negative you gave it that surreal feel. I like it - very original. It also shows how sudden inspiration can come to snapper. We just sit around minding our own business and then suddenly - BOOM - there is the idea,sight, a smell or a sound ginspiring us a to new way of shooting pictures. Thanks for sahring this experience with us.

By LindaJames (2008-05-07 03:50:48 ): Really cool photo, different, original. A great idea and very well done.

By nezel (2008-05-07 03:01:18 ): i think it's brilliant! i thought you used a magnifying glass but this is way better!

By littlepeanut (2008-05-07 01:25:52 ): two words: Love it!

By mo (2008-05-07 01:24:51 ): wow, I thought it was a magnifying glass- I like it! and turning it to negative adds to the feeling of it being a tiny little version of itself in there.

By Auryn (2008-05-07 01:08:17 ): I absolutely love it. The thumb nail instantly attracted me to it and I just think it's so original and so cool. You can't really tell it's a mug, at first I thought it was a magnifying glass then a silver disc of some sort. So glad you noticed it and I think you were where you were supposed to be at the time. I think it's really great!

By Flickrpictures (2008-05-07 00:50:53 ): This is a very cool technique. It is very original. Great idea!

By janith (2008-05-06 20:55:32 ): Doncha love when that inspiration from beyond comes to visit? I find this idea quite intriguing and wonder how lots of color in the circle would add to it. True that oak blooms are not known for their color (except when that yellow-greenish pollen comes to rest on your car!) but you could explore different trees and different beverages!!! Personally, I like the rectangular format as well :-)

By NowYesNow (2008-05-06 20:41:09 ): Is that a Dark Roast? LOL ********* (that darkside pull.. persistent, ain't it, Carl?) ********* I love it when an idea hits you right between the eyes while you're busy looking at all the dumb ideas everyone else has already thought of. Congrats, again, on paying attention to them, when they smack you. Some of us brush off good ideas like they were gnats. You Know we're gonna crop it to a square, don'tcha?

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