Water Lily

I found the colors and tonal variations of this Lily a bit challenging to work with. This image was processed primarily with a variation of the Simplify custom preset I used in some of the previous images (light simplify, strong edges, contrast and detail). I softened the Simplify effect on the petals with Tonal Contrast (all sliders around -20% to -30%), and used multiple Curves layers for tonal depth and lighting. I also used Photoshop's Glowing Edges filter for lighting effect, and the High Pass filter for sharpening.

Comments welcome, as always.............I like the effect better when viewed a bit further back from my monitor.:c3: I also noticed the shadows bordering the frame came out darker than the processing I did at home. Thanks for looking.

This is super! I love how everything in the composition builds towards that dramatic center glow. The various shades of pink and the rough-looking texture of the rain drops give this a big pop of impact.

Very nicely done, Jay. I like the color combination and the contrast between the flower and the dark green background. I had to re-read what you said about using Tonal Contrast to soften the Simplify effect. That was clever. I assume it was both the edges of the petals and the leaves that show the Glowing Edges effect. That was a great touch.

Clever processing, Jay. Wonderful overall effect! Have also tried negative clarity in Lightroom or ACR. BTW, I took your advise and moved back a bit... Loved it!!!

Jay, this is a beautiful image. I love the shades of pink and the lighting is gorgeous. Your creative use of filters turned this into a real winner:S3:

Jay, I love the center of the flower, it really pulls you in. Nice processing!

Very nice, love the composition, the lily draws you in....well done

I like this very much! You did a wonderful job processing it. The Glowing Edges used delicately works really well. The variations of pink are fascinating. Excellent work.