Cone

[Ed Vatza]

As I walked through this area along Shark River Inlet (Belmar, NJ), I saw these pine cones and were really taken by their beauty and by the light at that particular time of day. I ended up doing a digital sandwich (Orton Effect) with the image. Then I processed the sandwiched image using Nik Dfine for noise reduction; Nik Viveza 2 for color and brightness control; and Nik Color Efex Pro where I used the Darken/Lighten Center filter to brighten the center even more while darkening the surrounding areas and finished by adding a black Vignette which further served to draw the eye to the cone’s center. The effect, I believe, is to create the appearance of a spotlight shining on the single cone.

Canon 30D; 70-200 2.8L IS w/ 500D close-up lens

1/320 @ f/8.0; ISO 200; 0 EV

[Julie Kenward]

Very nice use of both the Orton Effect and the center light, Ed. Beautiful, deep, rich colors...like velvet!

[Barbara Kile]

Yes, the lighting is exquisite! I love the PP; you created some warmth here which I like.

[denise ippolito]

Ed, Nice spotlight effect. I like the soft yet detailed look to this. Nice color tones also.

[Cindy Mead]

love the colors and the soft effect that the orton lends to the image Ed.. I like th play of light/shadows, nice work!

[Indranil Sircar]

Very nice details on the cone. Great light and colors. I also the effect you have achieved here.