Neighbor Flower

[Brendan Dozier]

One of my new neighbors brought over this very cool looking flower (forgot ID) as a house warming gift. When I told her I did photography, she asked if I did weddings, as she is getting married this August. I told her I did not, but I thought I might try working some images of this flower, and if she likes any of them, they could be used for invitations or other stuff.
Set up with afternoon window light, adjusted levels, contrast, and color balance in CS5. Added some Photo Stylizer / Cool Silver, Detail Extractor, Tonal Contrast in Nik Color EFEX Pro. Then some Smart Sharpening in CS5 and and a little Topaz Detail.

To save my back, I used a cat tree to set the flower at about chest height. It was nice not having to crouch and hunch over for a change! I also have my computer set up on a stand-up workstation, which I've use for a while now. I find it is a much more comfortable to work standing up, but I also have a tall stool handy so I can alternate standing and sitting. Really keeps the knees from getting stiff.

[Maureen Allen]

Lovely, Brendan I like the way you brought out the detail on this.

Your flower is an epiphyllum (orchid cactus) Nice new neighbor!

[Brendan Dozier]

Thanks Maureen, and thanks for ID. I was going to try for some more images, but it faded out very quickly overnight.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Brendan, Very well handled! Love the detail,lighting and composition. The color saturation is handled just right...IMO

[Indranil Sircar]

Beautiful composition, Brendan. I too like the details and the lighting. Very nice colors. TFS.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Brendan, I really like the sharpness and composition. I especially like the colors you chose - the blue cloth, the wall and the glass really compliment the flower. Beautiful work. (How did the cat like your use of it's property?)

[denise ippolito]

Brendan, Beautiful looking flower and lighting. The colors are wonderful and I love that glass. Does it need a very, very slight rotation?

[Steve Bein]

Brendon,
For the full OT B effect,place feet on the bottom petals. YOu will walk away with an award.

[Brendan Dozier]

Thanks folks!

Cheryl, I had to distract the cats with food while borrowing their furniture.
Denise, I did some rotation of glass, but it is tricky because it was sitting uneven on the cloth.
Steve, that is actually a great idea! Feet & maybe some eyes! Or have a fish staring out from the glass.