Hi Jay, Beautiful lighting and color. The pair are positioned well and even though the pad is merging through both stems adds more interest to the image.
The noticeable white lines give the image some dimension. I would suggest you add a bit more room to the base
I would like to see a it cropped so the main flower is a bit off to the left and show more of the pad...but that's just me...and even then I may not like it after I see it. :)
This is a striking image, Jay! It almost looks like a painting. I like the way the colors of the top flower seem to glow. The different heights of the flowers, the lower bloom being only partially open, and the hint of detail in the dark background are all pluses. Very well done.
Jay, this looks great! Steve's critique pretty much covers anything I would have said.
I was wondering what it might look like without the pad so for the fun of it, I cloned it out and cropped in a little tighter. I can't say it looked better, but I liked the results. :)
The feedback is thoughtful and valuable, as always. I may add some canvass to the bottom, as Dave suggested and try Ken's idea to clone out the pad.....just to see.