Crepe Myrtle Seed Pods

The leaves have fallen but there is no snow. Browns predominate. I am forced to focus on more subtle subjects. These seed pods are an example of hidden beauty.

Taken with a 50mm 1.8 lens at f1.8, handheld.

Processed in Elements 10. Topaz Adjust >Small Details on the seed pods only. Applied 2 textures by Shadowhouse Creations and 1 texture by MissusK found on flickr's Textures for Layers Group. CEP3: Skylight & Darken/Lighten Center. For a final step, I wanted to draw more attention to the seedpods. After trying various filters, I used the Contrast Adjustment filter at the Soft Light blend mode--only for the seed pods.

All comments welcome. Thanks.:S3:

Great subject and color -- for this time of the year or any other. The combination of textures is beautiful. The grittiness is part of what I like about them, but I'd be inclined to subdue it at just one spot -- above the main stem between the two groups of pods. As soon as I opened the image, my eyes were drawn right to that spot. I think it might be because that location is fairly open and it happens to be where the divine proportion lines would intersect in that quadrant.

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Originally Posted by Dennis Bishop

Great subject and color -- for this time of the year or any other. The combination of textures is beautiful. The grittiness is part of what I like about them, but I'd be inclined to subdue it at just one spot -- above the main stem between the two groups of pods. As soon as I opened the image, my eyes were drawn right to that spot. I think it might be because that location is fairly open and it happens to be where the divine proportion lines would intersect in that quadrant.

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Thanks for your comments and suggestion. I agree about smoothing out texture.

Is this better? Or does it need more?

Anita, the texture you chose goes perfect with this subject! This photo screams late autumn.....I have these same things here and I've pretty much ignored them. I guess I need to take a closer look. :S3:

The first thing I thought when I opened this post was that I loved the work but maybe backing off on the texture a small fraction would make it look even better. I definitely prefer the repost!

The repost looks just great to me, Anita.

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Originally Posted by Ken Childs

Anita, the texture you chose goes perfect with this subject! This photo screams late autumn.....I have these same things here and I've pretty much ignored them. I guess I need to take a closer look. :S3:

The first thing I thought when I opened this post was that I loved the work but maybe backing off on the texture a small fraction would make it look even better. I definitely prefer the repost!

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Hi, Ken! I've missed you since I seldom post on the Macro forum. Thanks for your input. I may try reducing the texture a bit more.

Anita, I think the repost looks great. I love the crape myrtle seed pods and you did a nice job conveying their beauty.:S3:

Very nice repost Anita. The seed pods have so much interest and you captured them well. I like the color tones and the composition-nice job!

Wonderful image and processing on this subject, Anita. Your repost is great. I especially like the color tones and the lighting.

Thank you all for comments that improved the image.