Hey Anita, I think this is a great subject with some very interesting patterns for an abstract look. I would crop the upper right negative space and just show the shroom. If you can shoot this again I would also concentrate on tighter shots of the swirly areas in the top of this image and show less of the straight line stuff. Curve lines always look more interesting.
NIce shot - Giving a little artistic expression to a macro subject is refreshing. If you didn't go with Mike's idea, I would simply darken the negative space. Your shadow detail is good and the image holds interest. I like it.
Thanks, Mike, Aristotle, and Bill! Appreciate the comments, tips and suggestions. Seems my photos were taken on the last day that this shroom looked good; next day it wasn't photogenic anymore! :( But I do have quite a few images to work with and will continue to see what I can come up with.
One other little trick I learned in PS that I think might work on this shot is to go to selective color (black) and make a small adjustment (1-5 points) in the overall image. It can add a little drama - try it. I really like the shot, you don't need to take another one, just detail it a little.
As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew it was yours! It's really lovely as presented but Mike does have a point. If you could really zero in on the waviest section next time it would really make for a dramatic macro abstract. Really superb work, Anita!
Thanks for the tip, Bill, and for the comments/suggestions, Kaushik, Julie, & Ed. Yes, Mike's the macro/abstract man, I agree; I listen when he "speaks!" :D :D