Pink Perfection Redux

Image Critiques Flora Critiques
1

Camellia japonica “Pink Perfection”—the only thing missing is a floral fragrance, although Camellias do have a nice plant smell :relaxed: a 14 image focus stack.

2019-02-06-14-29-23-(B%2CRadius8%2CSmoothing4)-copy
2019-02-06-14-29-23-(B%2CRadius8%2CSmoothing4)-copy1600×1064 918 KB

What technical feedback would you like if any?

If you see any artifact or processing blunder

What artistic feedback would you like if any?

I did a lot of work on the BG. Does it look authentic?

Any pertinent technical details:

Camera Info: Nikon D750, tripod, remote release
Lens: VR 180mm f/2.8G
Focus Mode: Manual
AF-Area Mode: Single
VR: OFF
Aperture: f/5
Shutter Speed: 1/250s
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Exposure Comp.: 0EV
Metering: Matrix
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200
86% of full frame
PP in LR/PS CC 2019, Helicon focus, Topaz and Camera Raw filters, TK Sharpen for web @50%

You may only download this image to demonstrate post-processing techniques.
2

Phil: Perfection indeed. Magnificent bloom superbly captured and processed IMO. I like the BG although I have to admit the pink on the right pulls my eye a bit. I almost wish there was some on the left side as well. :+1::clap:>=))>

3

You composed this nicely… not directly head on, but on an angle but still in sharp focus throughout. If you had not mentioned the background I wouldn’t even have taken a close look. Such a delicate bloom.

4

Phil, I love camellias and this image is stunning - a gorgeous color, great position and beautiful light. There’s not a thing I would change. The background is perfectly fine to me.

5

Hi Phil,

I like this one as presented. You might be able to carefully darrken those pinks in the BG which should strengthen the comp…Jim

6

The background looks very natural to me, Phil. I’d never have guessed you played with it. A lovely image, very well composed.

7

Phil are you sure? I can smell a floral fragrance. The portrait is beautiful, the colors very natural, the BG is perfect also for me. May be lowering a bit the highest lights in the first petals? May be.

8

Exquisite, Phil ! Have no problem with any aspect of this image - I like especially the just off-centre framing which makes it look like the flower is about to open fully to our gaze.

9

Gigi, I know how they smell here, on my home turf—as I have described, pretty much.