Tulip in Color

[Cheryl Slechta]

After thinking in black and white for two weeks I thought a little color would be nice. This is a tulip that I photographed in my home "studio" with natural lighting from the window. I used a piece of green paper as my background and used Nik Tonal Contrast and Vignette Blur. I thought about using textures and will try that as soon as I get some time.
Thanks for looking. Comments and suggestions appreciated

[Anita Bower]

Cheryl: The burst of color is welcome! Tulips haven't bloomed here yet. I like this simple, centered composition. The leaves in bottom left corner add a nice balance. The background paper provides a pleasing, even color, allowing the flower to be the star. I wish all the petals of the tulip were sharp, and not blurred, though I like the blurred leaves. There are a couple of hot spots, maybe shinny areas. I find these are often a problem on red and yellow flowers. Using a diffuser when taking the photo sometimes helps. I'd clone the few lighter spots on the flower, mostly on the lower part. A lovely hint of what is yet to come our way!

[denise ippolito]

Cheryl, I live the effect and the comp. I might try to reduce the glow edges on the flowers top edges. I think the softness really shows and it's lovely. Sometimes I like to reveal a hint of sharpness on a specific area of the flower to hold the eye-if that makes any sense. I love tulips and you did a fantastic job with this one.

[Brendan Dozier]

The texture and color of the petals are very nice, Cheryl. BG color compliments well. Just wish for more texture to stem. For some symmetrical fun, I might flip the green leaves on left and add them to the right.

[Paul Lagasi]

Cheryl, nice change from B & W, I like how you left a little green on the bottom left...sharp image, good advice given...well done