not one of my bestest

[chauncey]

It's a real inner part of a flower...but, it does leave something to be desired.

[Downrigger]

It is a great suite of hues, and that's what makes it nice for me. The interesting part to me is that the closest portions are darkest - so the cone portion of the blossom that is (so nicely) in focus seems to "sit back" into the image amongst the lighter petals and background. If the brightness/darkness were the other way round, I wonder if the portion of interest wouldn't "step forth" more.

[IzzieK]

If you can reshoot, can you point a little sort of light inside the flower to show it more nicer? Maybe a head flash light or LCD or a ring light comes to mind...if what I think is the center of the flower you are trying to shoot? The cone looks good and sharp though...and guess what? I loaded your shot just to find a good orientation. I think I like it if the wider part of the shot is at the top. Then go with your editing or reshoot from there...

[chauncey]

I did reshoot...profile view with some petals cut away to see the center portion. No pollen yet.


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[Geoff F]

With both of these I would try to brighten the midtones a little but leave the highlights as they are. Possibly using masking on a layer?

[Stagecoach]

I'm afraid neither of these work for me Chauncey and I suggest because you have concentrated more on achieving the DOF than on concentrating on producing an appealing flower image.

It's not a particularly attractive flower to start with and perhaps a good example of where stacking is used simply for the sake of it but not adding any value to the image.

Grahame

[chauncey]

Grahame...you are right on every count...they're butt ugly pictures.

[Brownbear]

Hi Chauncey,

I have to say that I love the perspective and point of view in the first image, and I especially love the way the soft petals in the background add to a sea of beautiful colour. I think it could be a stunning image once you figure it out.

[IzzieK]

Mr. William Boyer...it is not a re-shoot issue. For me it is a lightening issue and an angle issue. Did I forget to tell you that I downloaded your shot and re-angled the top to be the large petal positioned to 12o'clock. Then brighten it a bit, looked at it in a newer point of view...??? Would you like to try that, my friend?