Flower Power

I have been sitting on this for about a week without posting. Then I

figured, what the hey. Go ahead upload the thing and see how people

like it.

Howard, I think that your highkey effect really gives this subject a lot more depth and tonal range than its original color version. However, I feel that the composition may be improved by giving some negative space (may be to the right and bottom of flower.) For this instance, may be some drop shadow would add more dimension to the subject matter. Just thinking out loud here. ^_^

excellent and original image!!!!

I agree. Can you e-mail how you did drop shadow. Thansk for the input.

I must agree with Wilson, the drop shadow really adds something. But I like your crop better. The detail is super and the ruffling of the leaves creates a softness that I like. Compliments the sharp high contrast with some softness. Nice job!

Wilson- while you're email, email me the same, Thanks

Howard you are realy very productive....I like your new style( white images). I think that what wilson did is good for the forground, gives the plant more depth. Pnina

As far as the drop shadow is concern, it's especially easy with Howard's new look due to the really plain, white background surrounding the subject matter. I'm no PS guru, so if someone find a more efficient way to do this, please also share. My ancient way of doing the flower was:

 

1.) Loosely "lasso" select the flower itself, "copy," and "paste" as a new layer.

 

2.) Create yet another "new layer" (one layer below above.) "Lasso" (either straight or flex as you feel more comfortable with) select the approximate area you want the shadow to be. Go to select, "feather," and give it a value (I used 15 for a small image posted as comment, need bigger value for your original.) "Fill" with black in this selected area. The shadow's darkness can be controlled by either the "layer" or the "paint box" opaquecity (I used 30%.)

 

3.) Go to the newly pasted "flower layer," and use eraser tool (choose tips and/or zoom in as necessary) and erase the area around the edges where flower overlaps the shadow (no need to waste time erasing at top of flower.)

 

4.) Reposition either the flower layer or the shadow layer as you see fit. Increase or decrease the darkness of shadow by changing layer opaquecity, or use a large, feathered tip, eraser tool at approx. 50% opaquecity.

 

5.) When all the stars lined up, "flatten" all the layers in place. If you want to do any sharpening, do it on the flower before this step (you don't want to sharpen the feather shadow.)

 

Have fun, folks. As always with PS, you may find different ways to get to the end result, so don't be afraid to experiment. ^_^

 

Okay ... when I looked at your (Howard's) version, I was going to write ... "Your best one yet!!" I really love this version of flower. A6/O7!!

 

Wilson's version makes it perfect ... throwing it off-center and the drop shadow is a wonderful final effect.

 

Great work, both of you!!! (Thanks, Wilson, for the PS tips!!)

Really cool, Howard. I LOVE this effect you are doing and it even works on flowers!

Love your your continued use of this technique here. Agree with Wilson's suggestion to improve.

Wonderful!

 

The great Imogen Cunningham would have been proud of this one!