Coneflower-soft/sharp

[denise ippolito]

I started with 2 images. One was a soft focus image that I created by turning the focusing ring like I would the zoom out feature on a zoom lens (I was using manual focus). This created a soft zoom like image. I then took another image of the same flower but this time a sharper regular shot. In photoshop I layered them together using a layer mask to allow the sharper details where I wanted them. I did that using a slightly lowered opacity so that the sharper image had a slightly soft look. This gave me the soft/sharp image that I liked.

[Judy Howle]

I really like that technique. It produced beautiful results!

[Paul Lagasi]

Okay, I gotta admit this is one blur I like..., very cool effect

[Christopher Miller]

Very nice effect, Denise! Love the combination of sharpness and blur and beautiful colors.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Denise, what a great combination. I love the effect, especially the soft zoom and the colors.

[Kerry Perkins]

Denise, I really like this technique. Nice complementary colors of the flower and the bg. I like the sense of motion too. Good one!

[Jim Bridges]

I agree that this is a pleasure to view! The colors and composition of this are really very pleasing.

[Michael Zajac]

Denise, You are always finding something new to do with that camera. You amaze me. Fantastic colors and the soft mixed with the sharpness really makes this a winner.

[Arthur Morris]

Ditto Michael. How do you think this stuff up???

[denise ippolito]

Thank you all so much for your kind comments. I appreciate them.
Artie, I am always inspired by images that I view from other photographers and wonder how I can re-create them to my liking. :)

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Very pretty Denise - you have struck just the right balance between soft and sharp with this one and I love the colours :)

[Dave Woeller]

Denise, you are such a creative person. your willingness to experiment and then share is an inspiration to all. Thanks for sharing this technique.

[denise ippolito]

Nicki and Dave, Thank you both for your kind comments.
Dave, Big congrats on “First Place, Winters’ Celebration Award ”!!!:)

[Dave Woeller]

Thanks Denise!

[Indranil Sircar]

Excellent composition, Denise. I love the technique you used here. Very nice balance. I think this goes up on the list of one of my favorites of yours.

[denise ippolito]

Thanks Indranil, I appreciate it.