Magnolia in the Snow

[Judy Howle]

Actually not "snow", this was an ice pellet event that happened not long before the snow event in 2011. The pellets were white so unless you looked closely it looked like snow. I played with the jpg I had originally processed then. I probably used Topaz Adjust on it then. I used Fractalius and Simplify in several layers and blend modes (I used lighten on the Frac later at about 45% opacity) and added a few star highlights. I also saved the version without the stars in case anyone doesn't think they add to the image.

[denise ippolito]

Judy, I like the stars. I might try to evict the white blotch in the URC and ULC. You did a great job with the filtering!

[Cheryl Slechta]

Judy, I like the stars And especially the ice dripping off of the tips of the leaves. Nice one!

[Dave Woeller]

I really like the processing on this too. I agree with Cheryl, the ice dripping off the leaves is special and really adds to the image.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Denise! I hadn't noticed the booboos, I'm glad you did! Here is the repost with a few other spots also removed.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Cheryl and Dave!

[Nancy Bell]

I really like the crunchy, crystal look of the ice on the leaves. Having the green edges of the leaves "framing" the ice is a great composition.

[Anita Bower]

I really like the effect you got on the icy snow. Wonderful, especially when I enlarge the image and look closely. The colors of the leaves are lovely also. I would crop out that one partial leaf on bottom edge. Great image.

[Andrew McLachlan]

HI Judy, repost is perfect. I am starting to miss the white stuff...we have no snow whatsoever on the ground so far.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Andrew! We are having a very warm month so far, going to be 70 tomorrow, so you must be having one also. Too hot for Christmas sweaters for sure!

HI Judy, repost is perfect. I am starting to miss the white stuff...we have no snow whatsoever on the ground so far.

[Dennis Bishop]

We talk about contrasts in our images all the time. Often it's in reference to colors, tones, and the like. This real-life contrast between the weather and what, on a different day, might appear to be a plant enjoying warmth and sunshine is very appealing. Some of the effects are very understated -- the background, the stars, and the ice hanging from the leaves. Even if they don't stand out -- or, maybe, because they don't -- they add a lot to the image, in my estimation.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Dennis!