Hyacinths

[billtils]

Oops, wrong image selected. Sorry.

[billtils]

Here's the intended image:

[Shadowman]

Nice effort, there is some visible artifacts in the background.

[billtils]

Thanks John and yes there are if you look closely enough. I've been experimenting with some new-to-me functions in my PP software .

[Wavelength]

Very nice image

[Round Tuit]

Hi Bill,
I am no expert but would like to offer a couple of suggestions that might improve your already good photo if you are planning a reshoot.
1) I find that the white pot(cup) overwhelms the flowers in your shot. That is so because it is brighter than the flowers and because it occupies such a large portion of the photo. The light coloured table top is also distracting because of its brightness. Of course if you intended this to be primarily a photo of the pot, you can disregard this comment.
2) Lighting the flowers from the side rather than the front would bring out the texture in the blooms.
Hope this helps,
André

[rpcrowe]

I tried brightening the flowers as well as adding some contrast, sturation and structure. I also tried reducing the brightness of the cup and table with this result...

[Round Tuit]

I like what Richard did.

[billtils]

Thanks Andre and Richard.

Andre: Yes the overall image is too dominated by the mug/flowerpot, and this shot is a good example of "Do one thing at a time and be there while you are doing it". The concept began as an attempt to create what was basically a record shot of the flowers into something just a little more interesting. The pot is one that was "retired" at the beginning of the year due to frost damage, but that was never thrown out because of the idea at the back of my mind that there was a potential image made by the decayed pot + a fresh and vibrant flower. This isn't it though, but is a step on the journey that will be revisited in the Spring. I'm not sure about the side lighting ...

Richard:What you did certainly reduces the apparent domination of the pot over the flowers, and I appreciate you taking the time to try that out. It's not really what I was looking for though, as the pot as seen in the original was part of the plan. Maybe I should have selected the flowers, cut them, processed a little and blended back in but enlarged by about 20%. May try it but the weather has been nice and I've been out and about at various wildlife/bird reserves, so won't be in the next few days ..

[MrB]

Bill, although I appreciate your aim, I find the text on the mug to be quite distracting. Also, in addition to the changes to relative brightness suggested above, perhaps move the subject a bit to the left. Just another opinion, of course.

Cheers.
Philip

[billtils]

Thanks for the suggestions Philip. The move to the left works for me nicely, but not so sure about the pot .

[billtils]

Thanks to everyone who commented - the feedback was very much appreciated. I have made a slight edit but the "real thing" will need to wait until I can get a larger and brighter hyacinth and re-shoot.