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.

Florida's Back County
by Ja-9

Comment by mainer:
This is a beauty of a shot. The reflections add greatly to the scene.

You Are My Sunshine...
by Ja-9

Comment by roz:
WOW JANINE .. !!
this is fantastic .. i love those vibrant colours .. its so graphic ... brilliant .. !!

Serenity
by Ja-9

Comment by Denise:
I think you made the right choice, this pops nicely, beautiful shot!

Serenity
by Ja-9

Comment by FocusPoint:
Little closeup version would remind me a "blue ribbon winner" in the past :) 8

Serenity
by Ja-9

Comment by HighNooner:
hmmm! 8

DSC_5677_edited-2-Edit_edit
by Ja-9

Comment by Alicia:


I fiddled around a little. In the end, I just used levels and slid the slider a little towards darker. Did a little burn at 9% in the "shadow" setting for the white things. Very rough edit. Just wanted to see what I was seeing in my head.

I think it's an interesting image. With a little correction, it will pop more (by the way, Topaz just made it look dirty). I'd go with this one.

DSC_5677_edited-2-Edit_edit
by Ja-9

Comment by Tammster:
This clearly has a better contrast. Seems like you did a nice curves adjustment or something. I would burn those little areas in the yellow just a little more. This might do well with a dark vignette around the edges.

Florida's Back County
by Ja-9

Comment by tomphoto:
Beautiful idea but a bit blurry.

Florida's Back County
by Ja-9

Comment by Yo_Spiff:
Like the scene, though it appears to be just a touch soft or blurred, as if it were handheld at a very low shutter speed.