The following images of a lily were taken with a 150 mm macro lens at f/2.8, to reduce the depth of field and so isolate the point, which in each case is the tip of the stigma. Each image was converted to Black and White monochrome.
Stigma placed centrally
This positioning really does very little for the image. It could have been enhanced by reducing the lens aperture to give a better depth of field, which would bring the stamen into focus, and by producing the image in colour, but that would defeat the object of the exercise. With more detail in the image and taken from a little further away there could be some symmetry with the stamen surrounding the stigma. As it stands, I think the image is uninteresting.
Stigma placed off-centre
This positioning is much better than the previous one. The stigma is 1/3 down from the top of the image and slightly to the left. The stamens are now showing more and their orientation gives a lead towards the right of the picture. Now there’s more life to the image and the stigma seems to be reaching out more.
Stigma placed near the edge.
With this view there’s a feeling of movement as the stigma seems to be heading towards the right of the image – and beyond. This is exaggerated by the shapes of the stamens as they point and lean in that direction. It appears that some speed is involved with almost a race to the outside of the flower. It’s worth noting that the tip of the stigma is contained in an area approximately 1/3 across and 1/3 down the image.
So positioning the point is important for the feeling and import of the image. The comments of the preceding 12 selected images also testify to this.
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