Heart to Heart
Explanation
What makes this image work for me is the relationship between the two fiddleheads.
The composition is simple, but the way they naturally lean toward one another immediately creates a sense of connection. The taller fiddlehead helps guide the eye downward toward the smaller one, while the soft background keeps the attention on the subjects.
The lighting was kept relatively simple. Rather than dramatically shaping the scene, the goal was mainly to separate the fiddleheads from the background and reveal their texture while preserving the softness and calm atmosphere of the forest floor.
The composition is simple, but the way they naturally lean toward one another immediately creates a sense of connection. The taller fiddlehead helps guide the eye downward toward the smaller one, while the soft background keeps the attention on the subjects.
The lighting was kept relatively simple. Rather than dramatically shaping the scene, the goal was mainly to separate the fiddleheads from the background and reveal their texture while preserving the softness and calm atmosphere of the forest floor.
Gear Used
– Canon R5
– 85mm Tilt Lens
– Focus Rail
– amaran Ace 25c (x2)
– Adaptalux Flexible LED Lights
– 85mm Tilt Lens
– Focus Rail
– amaran Ace 25c (x2)
– Adaptalux Flexible LED Lights
Settings
Camera: Canon R5
Lens: 85mm Tilt Lens
Aperture: f/4
Shutter Speed: 1/160s
ISO: 400
Focus stacking: ~60 images
Focus rail increments: ~0.5 mm
Lens: 85mm Tilt Lens
Aperture: f/4
Shutter Speed: 1/160s
ISO: 400
Focus stacking: ~60 images
Focus rail increments: ~0.5 mm
Breakdown
I started by choosing a vertical composition because of the way the two fiddleheads were growing. The taller fiddlehead (1) naturally leaned toward the smaller one (2), creating a shape that immediately reminded me of a heart.
As usual, I slightly underexposed the scene before adding artificial lighting. This allowed me to control the mood of the image and create better separation between the subjects and the background.
The first light I placed was the amaran Ace 25c (3) on the back left side. This light created a beautiful halo around the fiddleheads while also picking up some of the leaves in the background to create atmosphere.
I then added a second Ace 25c (4) from the back right side to balance the scene and create additional separation.
At this point, I felt the tops of the fiddleheads were not fully separating from the background, so I introduced two flexible LED lights.
The first flexible LED (5) was positioned on the left side and primarily illuminated the taller fiddlehead.
The second flexible LED (6) was placed behind the subjects and aimed downward, creating a subtle rim light while helping illuminate both fiddleheads.
The image was captured using a manual focus rail and approximately 60 bracketed images. Since the scene was relatively still, I was able to carefully move the rail between exposures and achieve full sharpness throughout the subjects.
As usual, I slightly underexposed the scene before adding artificial lighting. This allowed me to control the mood of the image and create better separation between the subjects and the background.
The first light I placed was the amaran Ace 25c (3) on the back left side. This light created a beautiful halo around the fiddleheads while also picking up some of the leaves in the background to create atmosphere.
I then added a second Ace 25c (4) from the back right side to balance the scene and create additional separation.
At this point, I felt the tops of the fiddleheads were not fully separating from the background, so I introduced two flexible LED lights.
The first flexible LED (5) was positioned on the left side and primarily illuminated the taller fiddlehead.
The second flexible LED (6) was placed behind the subjects and aimed downward, creating a subtle rim light while helping illuminate both fiddleheads.
The image was captured using a manual focus rail and approximately 60 bracketed images. Since the scene was relatively still, I was able to carefully move the rail between exposures and achieve full sharpness throughout the subjects.
Quick Tip
When working on a forest floor covered with leaves and vegetation, bring bug spray and plenty of patience. 🤪✌️
If you're using a manual focus rail, take your time and keep the setup as stable as possible. Small movements become very noticeable when working at high magnifications.
If you're using a manual focus rail, take your time and keep the setup as stable as possible. Small movements become very noticeable when working at high magnifications.
Final Thoughts
I don't think I would have photographed these fiddleheads a few years ago. But after spending so much time collecting them with Melyssa this spring, they became more than just a plant.
This image reminds me of those quiet moments together along the creek, and that's probably why it means so much to me.
This image reminds me of those quiet moments together along the creek, and that's probably why it means so much to me.
