Florida's Back County
by Ja-9

Comment by jayzundel:
cool looking photo

Serenity
by Ja-9

Comment by Lydia:
I love the lily... but the lilypad is glaring to me. (not voting)

Stretching
by Ja-9

Comment by kellmak10:
very pretty

Serenity
by Ja-9

Comment by love:
Lovely!!

DSC_6269_edited-2
by Ja-9

Comment by Tammster:
This seems a tad noisy...

DSC_6235-Edit_edited-1
by Ja-9

Comment by Tammster:
I agree. This is an AWESOME abstract macro... not sure it will be as appreciated in a regular macro challenge.

DSC_6235-Edit_edited-1
by Ja-9

Comment by Alicia:
This would be great for puzzle macro, but for just plain ol' macro, I'd go with something recognizable. In the face of that awesome fern shot, this is not as amazing.

However - you could totally use this as an overlay for something else. The colors and shapes are delish!

DSC_6269_edited-2
by Ja-9

Comment by Alicia:
The other fern shot is superior to this one.

DSC_6311_edited-1
by Ja-9

Comment by Alicia:
I love it. That said, I am not sure how the votership will like it. The light is - for DPC, mind you - a little on the harsh side. I'm not sure about this for a great score, though it appeals to my arty senses.

Softly
by Ja-9

Comment by FrankRobinson:
Ja-9, I can't believe you even asked for a critique on this! What am I supposed to say??! I'm afraid it's going to be quite short.

This shot is simply stunning. Technically flawless. All the usual comments (needs to be sharper, needs more contrast, get rid of the distracting bit) simply don't apply.

If I was going to tweak one thing, I would crop the right hand side about an inch tighter, so that there was no 'non-flower' space in the shot. IMHO it doesn't really need it.

Visually, the curves, the even increasing sharpness and contrast as we delve into the heart of the flower, the offset gently lighting... it is all so very appealing. I wonder how long you searched for such a perfect bloom?

Outstanding job, I applaud you.