crocus

[Anita Bower]

playing arund with my new 500d close up filter.

nikon d300, sigma 105mm macro lens with 500d close up filter, f4.2 (relatve/effective), 1/8 sec, iso 100, pattern metering, manual exposure and focus, tripod, indoors, natural light. violet photo filter (thanks to jules), slight enhancement in topaz detail, noise reduction. minor cloning to tone down some areas.

[Cindy Mead]

just enough focus to hold my eye well and the muted tones are lovely Anita. :)

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Anita,
I think the soft focus works here but something is bothering me and I don't have the time to try it out myself today.....I was going to say the ULC was a bit hot.....but upon further review it may be that the image is suffering because of the BPN BG color......did you try this with a thin black border?.....just to see if it gives the bit of edge definition?.....I think the BG is the issue...not the image!

[Barbara Kile]

Love the soft focus and pastels, Anita. Glad to see you're back to photographing! Cool that you got the 500D.

[denise ippolito]

Anita, There is just enough curve in the image to tell me it's a crocus. Lovely colors and soft focus. Beautifully done.

[Anita Bower]

I appreciate the comments. I don't mind being told an image doesn't work--in fact, I prefer that to no comment as it proides important info. I rely on your honesty to grow as a photographer. And, you are all always kind. :)

[Julie Kenward]

Anita, I think Roman's right - I think your image is beautiful but gets lost in the light gray BPN background. Try a soft, small dark purple (maybe?) border around it and see if that doesn't give it punch online. I'm sure as a print it's perfect. The focus is exactly where it needs to be!

[Anita Bower]

Here it is with a small border. What do you all think? :)

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Anita,
I definitely thinked it helped for this presentation here.....cleans up the edges for me and defines them more!.....now I have to practice those soft focus images!!!

[Julie Kenward]

That's it! Powerful change, Anita!

[Anita Bower]

Thank you Roman and Jules!!! :)

[Jerry van Dijk]

Very nice Anita! I like everything about the image, but especially the gradual blend of colors. Diagonal and bends in the petals add interest to the image. Nicely done!

[Charissa]

Ditto Jerry, like this Anita, soft and pleasing to the eye.

[Anita Bower]

Thank you, Jerry and Charissa. :)