Really nice image Mike. Very simple and the curving stem adds to the elegance of it. I am not sure if you had an opportunity, or if it would make any improvement to try bringing in the stem from a different angle. Well done. Dave
Very nice, Mike. I think this is very quiet and understated - it has a real "mood" to it. It would also work to see the pad at more of a vertical position on the left side of the frame with the stem whipping across to the URC.
You might also try doing a clone at 20% over the bright white spots so they still show but are less washed out.
Hi Mike, I too like the lily pad.The stem is an important part of the image and adds a great deal to it. I took the liberty of cropping the image and toning down the bright areas.
Excellent composition here. I love the sweeping stem bringing me into the frame and to the leaf. Dave's repost puts the exclamation point on it! Nice work.