Dogwood Textured

[Julie Kenward]

Originally, I wasn't going to even process this image. I thought it was too washed out and couldn't find a focal point amidst all the layers of blossoms and branches. I finally opened it in Color Efex and used the "low key" filter to calm the image down a bit - that helped put the focus on the white blossoms and less on the overall image. I then added a textured layer from Shadowhouse and changed the whole thing to "hue" blend mode to get a unique duotone look and then added a canvas texture layer (also from Shadowhouse) over the top to give it some depth. Final step was a sienna vignette from Topaz' Lens Effects software.

[Paul Lagasi]

Nice image, background earth tones really help..very well done

[Cheryl Slechta]

Jules, this is lovely. The filtering works so well with the image. I'd like a little cropped from the bottom and would tone down the angular branches in the upper right bg. But that's being very nit picky - I love it just the way it is

[Hilary Hann]

I think the tones and textures used here really suit the subject and the resultant image is quite lovely.

[Julie Kenward]

Thanks everyone. Cheryl, I also thought about cutting a slice off the bottom but was afraid I'd get the "your bottom branch is too close to the frame edge" comments...so I'll rethink that! Thanks so much for the feedback, everyone.

[Indranil Sircar]

This is beautiful, Julie. I love it as presented. The shallow dof along with your treatment using low-key filter works really well to focus on the white blossoms. Nicely done.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Jules,

Greetings. I really like the color in this one, the tone & the pattern. Not sure about cropping from the bottom, I think your bottom branch would be too close to the frame edge . (just playing)...

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Anita Bower]

Wonderful subtle colors here. Good job using the various filters, etc. to achieve a pleasing effect. I like how the flower centers seem to match or go with the background colors, adding unity. The only thing that bothers me is the central location of the partially closed flower. I took the liberty of cropping a bit off the left and cloning some items ( a quick job, you can do a better job), and a tad off the bottom. The result is more pleasing to my eye.

[Julie Kenward]

Anita, I like your crop as well - I think it's all a matter of size/format that you are going for as an end product. Yours gives you more bang for the buck; mine gives a more "overview" feel IMO. I like 'em both!