This is a huge stretch, and it would be ok to disqualify from the weekly theme. I just couldn't resist.:S3::S3:
Inspired by some of Christophers latest filtering work, I used multiple layers of Fog, Soft focus, low-key lighting and something call Monday Morning, part of NIK software suite.
I then masked off Monday morning to expose a muted version of the original color, which was yellow :S3:, in the pedals and stamen. Tonal contrast to highlight the stamen and then I colored in, a missing stamen piece (yellow).
Hope you like it............I could go back and restore the yellow hue to the pedals, but I kind got used to it as is.
06-17-2011, 12:57 PM
Dave Woeller
Hi Jay. Wow, lots of work, but well worth it. I love the image and the soft coloring is really soothing and peaceful. My only nitpic would be the stem coming directly from the tip of the petal. Certainly minor, but a thought.
06-17-2011, 03:42 PM
Brendan Dozier
Really nice, Jay, and great job with the processing. Beautifully lit, and really like the contours of the petals. I agree about the stem, and if it were mine, I might move stem over and lighten it some, or have no stem and just let it float in the black.
06-17-2011, 05:17 PM
Indranil Sircar
Jay, excellent work and totally worth it... love the soft color and the positioning of the flower. Very nicely processed.
06-17-2011, 06:55 PM
Julie Kenward
Hi Jay! Yes, I would move the stem a bit to the left as well and possibly take a small bit off the top. I do like your processing but was wondering if you tried burning/dodging any of the gray areas to add more depth to the petals?
06-17-2011, 07:05 PM
Anita Bower
Soft and lovely. A bit different, which I like. I'd like some cropping off the top and brightening the stamen and pistil so they show up more. Very nice work!
06-17-2011, 07:54 PM
Christopher Miller
Jay, it is a yellow spot even if it is tiny, so I guess I'll count it in for the theme. :w3 I love the elegant, peaceful feel that the softness and muted colors give it. I agree on moving the stem. Nice work and glad I could be a inspiration.
06-17-2011, 09:19 PM
Jay Sheinfield
Thanks everyone, looks like a consensus on moving the stem and a bit off the top. Will give it a go.
Hi Jules, This filter is NIK's Monday Morning, and has a particular lighting character, not unlike infra-red. Although, I might try your idea and see how it turns out. The lily started out as flaming orange with yellow-orange highlights.
