Lily

In reviewing Ron van Dongen's images, attempting to emulate his look is harder than it looks! There is a soft and gentle feel to his images which I like - with just the right amount of contrast. Nevertheless, learning from him, and from each other should make for a fun week!
105 mm macro; f/22; 3".
Converted with Nik SilverEfex Pro; edited further with Viveza2.

Barbara, I agree w/ you -Ron van Dongen's images are hard to emulate, but the result you achieved here is awesome. Maybe a sliver off the right? See what others say. Beautiful crisp details.:)

The foal point has a lovely crispness, whilst the rest melds in seamlessly. Great PP. This certainly will be a fun learning curve, Barbara.

Gorgeous work, Barbara! You achieved just the right balance between sharpness and blur. I love the petals disapperaring into the BG. The original photo is excellent--the angle of the flower, each stamen separate and visible. I would not change a thing. :)

The way the dark pops against the soft petals is beautiful. Very well done.

jn

Nice image and application, Barbara.

I would agree with Denise, :confused: sorry about that Denise :D, on a little off the right. But overall a very nice image.

Really a beautiful composition, Barbara. Love the tone and how the petals blend at the edges. TFS.

Barbara, this image is a killer, center is sharp and crisp and image fades as it goes to outside...nice one

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your feedback! :)

Lovely comp Barbara, and I like how you have separation in all the stamens. Good blending for the BG fade.

This is beautiful, Barbara! Love the toning and composition. Very nice how the petals fade into the BG. :)

I'm loving this Barbara! Super job of emulating the style, which is difficult indeed. Really nice work!

Thanks, Jackie, Christopher, and Kerry!