Columbine with Repost

I have no problem with comp or techs, and the detail in the flower is excellent. However, the lighting is an issue for me. I prefer images shot in a natural environment to include a natural looking BG. Here, the lighting is too contrasty for my tastes. I also find the bright spots in the ULC to be distracting.

Richard: I like the POF especially and the comp works fine for me. The brighter areas in the ULC BG are not deal breakers for me. I did note what looks like some cloning artifacts in the LLC that I think should go away. >=))>

Lovely POV Richard, lovely looking flower

Richard, I can see why this is appealing. The Columbine has a beautiful color and a very fragile appearance. I think the shooting angle might have worked far better if the shutter speed had been faster. Not crazy about the mottled background.

Ciao ;^)

Carol

Richard, I am half way on this... Like the comp and your POF, but the bg/light isn't working for me.

I'd probably clone out the white spots in the upper left Richard. For my tastes the blur behind the petal on the right is a distraction but I doubt that anyone else is bothered by it. A very creative and interesting take on a columbine.

pat

I like what yo uare trying to do here. I agree the contrast is a bit too strong. The BG is OK.

I am very much a fan of classic poses and this qualifies, bu tto really make it cook, I would eliminate everything in the upper frame that is brighter than the subject flower, incuding the out of focus flower behind and to the right. I would also get rid of the lighter spot in the upper left that the others mentioned.

Instead of the high contrast, I would use a discreet combination of sharpening, midtone contrast and a high pass filter to work the detailing. The trick is to use a light hand in the processing.

Lots of potential here.

I evened our the background using the burn tool in PSE.

Hi Richard The even B.G in the repost works wonders Now we have a fine Columbine capture
Albert Darmo. Canada

A compelling portrait. I like the pov and the dof. Well done!

There is a definite mood to this, Richard, which I think the sombre tones help achieve. I like the composition and the way the flower comes forward into the frame ( the outer petals looking like wings ) but am less keen on the upper bg lights. I would have left the pale, lower ones in the repost - just my 2 cents worth !