The softer side of lotus

This is slightly diffused, somewhat desaturated and has a texture. I used Topaz Adjust originally and then 2 Photo Looks filters on layers, Nik Color Efex vintage film with some grain evicted, and Topaz Detail on a reduced opacity layer to bring back some detail and finally a Kim Klassen texture, inverted.

I like how the Lotus flower petals reach out nearly to the edges, filling the frame. The beautiful colors of the flower stand out nicely against the darker bg. Lovely texture work (I often have difficulty getting it off the flower). I only wish the top edge, near the center, were not quite so dark. Lovely work.

Nice work Judy, I've never seen a center on a lotus like this before...Nice effects...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Anita Bower

I like how the Lotus flower petals reach out nearly to the edges, filling the frame. The beautiful colors of the flower stand out nicely against the darker bg. Lovely texture work (I often have difficulty getting it off the flower). I only wish the top edge, near the center, were not quite so dark. Lovely work.

---

Thanks Anita! I'll see if it can be lightened. I didn't have to mask the flower, it looked OK but after I inverted it as it was very light in the center and dark on the edges for the most part. I think I used soft light mode.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Paul Lagasi

Nice work Judy, I've never seen a center on a lotus like this before...Nice effects...

---

Thanks Paul! I should call it "cutaway lotus" :S3: I think it is my "coolest" lotus flower shot.

Judy, Great composition. The soft look that you were going for really comes through. Love the title:S3:, nice job!

Thanks Denise!

Hi Judy;

Absolutely as advertised. I love the soft look you portrayed. Excuse me for my nit pik, the lotus deserves none. However, IMHO, I would prefer the white on the top of the center petal to be a vey pale pink.

Great job of processing, Judy.

Gus

Hi Judy, love the soft pink color of this one. Quite lovely!

Very beautiful. Love that you exposed the center of the flower so nicely.

Love everything about this, Judy. Color, detail, texture... Wonderful!!!

Hi Judy, nicely done and I agree with all the nice comments above. What really makes this one shine for me is the perspective - very unique and interesting.

Wonderful composition, Judy! Love the angle and unique look into the flower. Beautiful light and excellent processing on this.

Thanks to all of you for the nice comments, much appreciated!