This light is a bit harsh but not too bad and I think you could easily tone it down in PP. I like the comp but for some reason I can't quite put my finger on, that stem on the right is bothering me. I haven't made up my mind about the stripes. :)
From a compositional standpoint here's what I see: the major bulk of the image is smack in the center. I think this might be why Ken feels the other stem is bothering him. If you had a bit more of the iris stem in the image, moving the flower to the top 1/3 instead of the 1/2 way point, then the flower would be more balanced in the image but the other leaf would be popping out of the top of the frame. So what to do? Me, I'd take the additional stem/leaf out and let the flower be more in the ROT's position, giving the stem attached to the iris more room in the frame.
Julie, I was actually thinking about that before shooting this flower. I cut the stem off there since it got ugly below that point. I didn't know if it would be better to to show a lumpy stem or cut it off. now I know. :)
I left the right sided leaf on since it is part of the plant, and I liked its lines. I still like the lines in the image, but it seems so static. perhaps more stem would have helped that, of more angle to the iris??? less harsh light would have been helpful too. I think the sharpening may be a bit over done also.
Thank you, everyone! I am learning so much and enjoying it too. :D! And like Charles said Tuesday in my previous thread, I spent all day yesterday trying some different angles. Who would have known that you could find a butterfly in a lily??? how fun is that?? :D
Cheryl
This iris is going to knock your socks off. Very strong, very dramatic. I think it needs some space somewhere around the image, but otherwise this is super!
Cheers
Gail
Dramatic and beautiful image. I agree with taking out the leaf and placing the flowers in a slightly different position. I love the BG! How did you create it? See Maplethorpe for dramatic BGs http://www.darjanpanic.com/photograp...t-photography/
Anita, the background is black foam board, on an angle, the stripes are from the light coming through closed light-filtering mini-blinds. in PP I increased the blacks enough to narrow the ends of the stripes to points.