The intent was a light and pretty Lily shot. The reality is deep and dark.

[JBW]

[wilgk]

It is interesting Brian, I feel like the emphasis or light is on the bud, when I expect it to be on the open flowers, particularly the one on the left.

[JBW]

It is interesting Brian, I feel like the emphasis or light is on the bud, when I expect it to be on the open flowers, particularly the one on the left.

it does go against the suggested norms but as you say it is interesting.

[bnnrcn]

It works for me Brian, another nice one I would darken the bud just a little bit though.And I would also darken the leave at the upper right side of the frame.

[Aeros]

Very clever lighting Brian, you must have worked hard to set this up. You pulled off a very interesting piece of work.

[topol]

Speaking as a novice - I find this captivating.

[Saorsa]

That is nice.

[JBW]

It works for me Brian, another nice one I would darken the bud just a little bit though.And I would also darken the leave at the upper right side of the frame.

but wouldn't that soften the overall drama?

[JBW]

Speaking as a novice - I find this captivating.

Thank-you. Please take what follows as encouragement rather than ego tripping. Less than two years ago I was brand new to this passion. I joined this group and as I posted the mentors and teachers in the group took me under their collective wings. I listened and they taught. It is a good system.

For what it is worth I am using a camera very similar to yours, the Fujifilm S4200. I can recommend Gimp as a good (albeit a little complicated) free software.

[JBW]

Very clever lighting Brian, you must have worked hard to set this up. You pulled off a very interesting piece of work.

Actually it is natural lighting. I just waited for the Sun and moved a few leaves. I will admit to a fair bit of two steps foprward one step sideways pp to get this effect.

[gudge]

The result may not be what you wanted, but it is stunningly beautiful in my opinion.

[JBW]

That is nice.