RAPSODY IN BLUE
by eyeart

Comment by bohemka:
I agree with what FrankRobinson had to say. I do like the 3D feel to it though. I will only add that once you enter a challenge, don't include your name/copyright on your photo. It's an immediate DQ. There are ways to add it through DPC afterward to keep you covered. Welcome aboard.

RAPSODY IN BLUE
by eyeart

Comment by FrankRobinson:
May I comment?

Artistically, I love the composition on this. The angle of the shot is spot on. The colours are pretty good - particularly the glowing gold in the centre. The purple blues are also fine in the heart, but around the edge they seem a little light and I feel it loses impact.

Technically, it is a little noisy and a little soft for a macro. Assuming this was taken using a tripod and remote release, it doesn't need to be ISO 400, ISO 100 should be fine. You probably need an aperture of f11 or greater to get the depth of field this needs at this range.

Post processing, I don't know what you have done, but I would use the unsharp mask (USM) tool on most shots, initally on the full size version, then (if re-sizing for DPChallnge) again once you have got it down to the 800px version - this should give you the sharp look a shot like this needs.

This was my take on a similar flower (not shot with a Macro lens though):

RADIANCE IN BLOOM
by eyeart

Comment by MelonMusketeer:
These things are always a treat for a camera. I like the different point of view for this one.

BLUE BAYOU
by eyeart

Comment by eyeart:
Thank you for your comments I do appreciate it. The white lines on the trunks are flood line, the highest was about 23 feet high !

WATER LILY SONATA
by eyeart

Comment by MinsoPhoto:
Beautiful sharpness on the flower here and great color. The crop seems a bit strange though. Also as I said in my other comment, I don't think you need the border on this.

BLUE BAYOU
by eyeart

Comment by MinsoPhoto:
Nice colors here and great reflections. What are those white lines on the trees?
On a side note I would ditch the border, just my opinion but I try to only add (lately at least) borders when it really enhances the shot. I think this would stand well enough on its own or with just a simple, thin black border.