This week's theme, "Reflections on a New Year" seems a bit philosophical to me. This red rose image is meant to be a metaphor: for beauty and love and days unfolding; for romance, mystery and a bit of intrigue; for light and dark, sun and rain, day and night; sadness and joy.
Now for the processing: topaz detail 3, soft & dreamy III; fractalius 44% opacity; decrease saturation & lightness in PS.
Beautiful rose; I wish I could find one that perfect and I love the processing with just the right amount of Fract. The water drops are icing on the cake!
Beautifully photographed, processed, and worded. The tonal range is wonderful, and so are the water drops. I think part of the visual magic is the blending together of the petals in the upper left center.
I could fall into this rose! Outstanding. Great shot and great processing. As I look at it, I can feel its depth and beauty. I agree with Dennis about those marvelous petals towards the center. I think it would be stunning printed.
Re. your words--poetic, beautiful, true. Thank you for sharing.