A Patch of Garden
by jomari

Comment:

Originally posted by jomari: I used a couple of Topaz Studio filters on separate versions and pasted one into the other and blended in darken mode - can't remember what opacity. The filters were 'expressionism' and 'melting'.

Thanks for sharing that. I haven't tried Topaz yet, but I can see why it has so many loyalists. :-)

Love Life
by jomari

Comment:
The placement and emphasis of the red in this frame and its balance with those complementary greens really helps tame what might otherwise be a visually overwhelming level of vividness in the color. As someone who enjoys vibrant, vivid colors in photography, this definitely appeals to me--and usually gets me low scores whenever I try it for a challenge. LOL

Message edited by author 2025-12-12 14:52:05.

greetings
by Tiberius

Comment:
For what it's worth, I totally see this as a blank/generic postcard of the type that would become personal stationery. If this were offered as part of a series of, say, four different designs in a box of 20, I would totally buy it.

The Florida Keys
by George

Comment:
Definitely expected this one to land much higher. This feels very postcard-like to me.

THE STATE BIRD KEEPIN' IT REAL
by tate

Comment:
This one made me laugh. Thanks for taking the time to compose it. And the base photo is genuinely gorgeous.

Happy Holidays
by KristjanUnnar

Comment:
It may have polarized the votes, but the beautiful composition and skill evident in this image is absolutely undeniable. Thanks for the sincerity of your submission, and Merry Christmas to you as well!

A Patch of Garden
by jomari

Comment:
Lovely. :-) And I dig the painterly processing. Is there a particular filter you're using to achieve that? Or do you create the effect yourself through compositing?

9468
by primabarbara

Comment:
Phenomenal. The angle and the timing with those clouds--man, this just really has gravitas.

melancholy
by kanaj

Comment:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao: Soft, delicate, muted and wet. Just how I like my women. Heeheee. ;p

Oh my.

Autumn Blossom with Bee
by kanaj

Comment:

Originally posted by nam: What does a contrast boost - a big one :) - do for it?

Well, it would definitely take it in a different stylistic direction than I intended with this edit. :-) Here, I'm going here for a warm, sun-faded matte/distressed-film treatment, so I've actually used some processing decisions to reduce rather than enhance contrast--and to introduce grainy imperfections. But admittedly, it's a stylistic voice that doesn't resonate with all viewers. And I'm far from the best I've seen at recognizing when and how to apply it effectively. But since it seems to be popular in stock photography right now, especially among DTC brands in the fashion and progressive lifestyle space, I'm experimenting with ways to incorporate it into my portfolio of work.

Appreciate your kind words!