Does This Work?

[Dave Mills]

Shot this at Longwoods Garden this year.I like the flower and stem but was wondering if the leaf is a positive or negative.
Nikon D300,200mm macro,F22,1/80.twin lights,0 comp,tripod mtd

[Ken Childs]

I tried cloning out the leaf, darkening the BG with the curves black eyedropper and adding some space on the bottom and I like it better without the leaf.

[dawn campbell]

I agree with Ken -- I'm not a huge fan of the leaf. I really do like the way the flower angles in from the side tho. Very nice.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

I think the lily and the soft curve of the stem look great. I would have to agree that I am not particularly fond of the leaf either. Flash work looks VG BTW.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Yes I agree clone the leaf but I would also add more canvas all around, for me the flower is just a little to large in the frame. I like the exposure and colours very much.

[Julie Kenward]

Make that unanimous. I think if it had more of an arch to it or was more open it would be a nice addition but it's just not quite cutting it for me in this instance. The flower on the other hand - magnificent!

[Dave Mills]

Well looks like I got my answer. Thanks for the comments....

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Dave,
That leaf annoyed the c*** out of me too!!! Now.....if that stem was shorter....I think we had a better angle! If you really want to get crazy...eliminate the leaf....crop to just above water water line on stem and rotate it 90 degrees CW! Might just work!!!

[Anita Bower]

The flower is gorgeous and beautifully captured. I'm not sure about the green leaf/stem--my first thought was of an alligator trying to eat the flower. I know that doesn't make sense--but it feels threatening.

[Dave Mills]

I'll give it a try Roman...