Orchid & Leaf

Comments are welcome.

Vibrant colors, but I guess I'm not sure about the big green leaf stuck in there.  A little green would be a nice contrast though.  Did you use the pixel bender on this image?  I can't be sure, but it actually comes across just looking out of focus to me, especially the edges of the violet flower.  I think that process has been working extremely well for you, my friend, but I'm not sure how successful it is in this image.  Others may disagree though.  :-)

I am treated to these orchids every year about this time of year and I have photographed them many, many times. I liked the addition of the green leaf because it added another contrasting color and because I wanted it to be different than my other photographs of these orchids. The "out of focus" look that you speak of is by design. It is a combination of part Gaussian Blur and part Pixel Bender. In my eyes this came off very well but not so much in yours. If anybody else offers their opinion we will be able get a consensus. Regardless, it is always nice to hear from you and hear your opinion. Thanks for dropping by and adding a comment. I will include the original RAW for comparison.

I like the original image but this is a perfect candidate for your pixelbender  ;) it is lovely Leo. I really like the presentation, lighting and vibrant colors. The fact that is is a softer focus is what makes it so appealing to me...with no disrespect to Christal.  Always a pleasure to see what you will come up with, thanks for sharing

Warmest regards, Pamela

Thank you Pamela, I always appreciate your input. It was my intention to soften all areas but to a much lesser extent in the area around the yellow part of the flower. That would center the attention there, which, to me, is where it should be. Thank for stopping by.

Beautiful and evocative composition. Compliments. Vicente.

Thanks for your encouraging words.