Daffodil

[Judy Howle]

This is a backlit daffodil. It was an OK image but it's much more interesting after using Pixel Bender and Topaz Adjust.

[Dave Woeller]

This is very striking with the combination of backlight and addition of Topaz adjust. The background swirls are a neat compliment. I might like to see the stem exit a bit closer to the LL corner. Just a thought. Very nice image.

[denise ippolito]

Judy, I like the effect from the PB. very cool! I will have to download the program. Dave has a good suggestion and it might be another view. I think the colors and the comp. are nice and the background has a lot of interest. It would be great if you could provide us w/ the original so we could see the effect of the PB program.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Dave. I'll see what I can do with a tilted crop.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Denise. Here is the original. Then I'll work on a re-do. It was the only image of that one that I took on very hot day, along with many other beautiful daffodils in the flower bed at a restaurant. Since I started over with the raw image I changed a couple of settings in ACR as the yellows were a bit blown so this one is darker all around.

[denise ippolito]

Judy, I don't think you need to do a re-do. You did a great job w/ this one. I was just trying to see how the program effects the BG and the colors tones-TFS.

[Judy Howle]

I already did it! There are so many variations in processing with the 2 plugins that this one looks quite different and starting with a darker image it has a darker look. But I like it. I duped the layer and used soft light at 35% to deepen the bkg color and texture so the flower stands out more. What do you think?

[denise ippolito]

They are both lovely and I can't decide.

[Christopher Miller]

Very lovely work, Judy! Great lighting and the combination of the bright yellow flower and the dark BG is very striking. Love the swirly painted effect you achieved. Both versions look wonderful. I think I prefer the second one a tiny bit more, but it's a hard call. :)

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Very nice Judy. Really like the swirly texture, and the contrasting dark background. What the heck is pixel blender? Is it a PS plugin? regards~Bill

[Kerry Perkins]

Judy, I like them both but am partial to the second one. While they are both very nice, I like the darker bg and lowered saturation in that one. The virtual brush strokes in both versions are reminiscent of a Van Gogh style. Cool!

[Judy Howle]

Thanks William. Yes, it's a free plugin from Adobe for CS5 found at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/pixelbenderplugin/

[Judy Howle]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I think I like the 2nd one better too.