Iris V

[John Storjohann]

Started working through some of yesterdays images...this one was shot with the 180mm, f/22@1/40. RAW image processed in LR; curve adjustment in PS, used two NIK Color Efex filters...Detail Extractor @18% and Vignette Blur@42%. Finished with a dose of Topaz Simplify->BuzzSim@60%. One of those images that, as the photographer, you look at you're not sure about...but you like it enough to work with...looking forward to comments and suggestions.

[Dennis Bishop]

I like the colors and the processing, but it looks a bit top heavy to me. Maybe crop a bit off the top?

[Jay Sheinfield]

Hey John, I'm thinking you want the detail and focus and drama on the drooping leaves, where there is the most interest (radiating lines, textures, detail and colors), and consider downplaying/darkening the upright structure of the flower. The blur vignette moves my eye toward the V intersection (the sharpest part) of the pedals and the stem...........maybe the OP is your vision. ......try embellishing rather than blurring those drooping pedals see what that does.................your call, as always. IF you like it stick with it.

[John Storjohann]

Thank you for the suggestions...I trimmed a bit off the top, masked the blur and brought back detail in the lower petals. I like both versions...the OP has a dreamlike quality to it that I really like, and I tried to retain some of that quality while bringing back detail to strengthen compositional lines...let's see how it goes! Thanks again.

[John Storjohann]

Just for reference...this is the original image.

[Cheryl Slechta]

John, the repost really improves it. I was thinking cropping from the top when I saw it but I like what you did with the detail on the repost also.

[Jay Sheinfield]

The original image, I like it, just how it is! I now see what you had in mind in the the OP...........stick with your vision for it. I tried a "betweener" just for fun................I don't like it any better....just different. here you go...............It incorporates a slight blur vignette and some gradient lighting at the top. Whoops I lost the image.

[Dennis Bishop]

Although I'd neglected to mention it, I liked the softness of the first post. I'm glad that you retained some of that for the repost. It looks good.

[John Storjohann]

Good additional feedback...I took Jay's suggestion and did a "tweener"....brushed in more of the softness while retaining detail in some of the leading lines...let me know what you think.

[Anita Bower]

I think I prefer the second post, though the OP is also nice. I like this different view of the Iris, but, for some reason, I suppose the tan part, it doesn't work as well for me as the other Iris photos. Gorgeous colors and excellent pp.

[denise ippolito]

John, I'm late to the thread. I prefer the second post with a slight more off the top. I like the original capture and think your color tones are perfect!

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi John, nice base image and I like the 2nd post best as well.