Saw the challenge, headed for the garden, shot about 50 shots. This one I was sure was a throwaway. But in the end I liked the lighting and color.
Levels, Curves, USM, Removal of distracting elements, Rotate, Crop.
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Very interesting choice of flower. I think the colors are great. The main thing that bothers me is the crop. The tops of the stamen are cut off which makes it feel a little incomplete. I would like the shot either cropped much closer, or composed to include the full stamen and pistol.
Great colors. The texture in the petals really comes out in this. I think it could use a tad bit more oomph, although I don't really know what to suggest for that...gave you a 7.
Nice idea, good colours. I think it might work better if you keep the pistils (the stem things, don't know what they're called for sure) in the image rather than cutting them off.
You've got the sharpness in the center of the flower however the chopped off stamen are a bit distracting. Zooming out a little and using a vertical orientation may help in that regard.
What pleasing colors and crispness. The lighting is exquisite. I would only recommend that the stamens be shown in their entirity. Still, quite the shot. 8
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