Barbara Dunn
October 2026 - Layered Bloom
About the Image(s)
Canon R5 Mark II; 500mm; 1/500 sec.; f/16; ISO 2000
This waterlily was taken this month at Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, the largest botanical garden in the U.S, It was starting to rain; I was attracted to the many petals of lily itself, but also to the leaves surrounding it.
Steps taken for image:
1. Cropped.
2. Darkened the area around the flower and leaves.
3. Used Topaz Denoise and Sharpen.
4. Resized for PSA website.
7 comments posted
You nailed it, Barbara! Great color balance --love the various shades of white against the black background, Really focuses the viewer. The tonality gives good depth, almost 3D. I like the green leaves, adds context. And, just being off centered works nicely. Well done! Posted: 10/04/2026 23:13:51
Thank you, Gene! Posted: 10/04/2026 23:22:31
Gorgeous image. Still aspire of being able to do that. The delicate lighting and perfect focus on the entire lily is remarkable. The staggered petals have the right amount of shades. The restraint double structures of the leaves left and right give a dynamic frame for the flower. Enjoyable time considering this composition. Was that the 100-500mm 4.5-7.1 L? Posted: 10/06/2026 14:59:59
Thank you, Chris, for your comments. I was so excited when I spotted the lily. Yes, it was the Canon R 100-500 mm. Posted: 10/06/2026 15:21:03
I love the capture of the water droplets on the petals. The shades of white have been rendered well, providing a depth to the lily. I wasn't sure about the two leaves on the right and removed them but then it didn't feel balanced. The leaves on both side provide a base for the lily to sit on. Posted: 10/07/2026 14:27:38
Hi Barbara, Wonderful Water lily, great tones with no blown out highlights on the white and the water drops enhance the image, I think the green leaves are just right by providing a soft background but not distracting. Posted: 10/21/2026 03:12:35
Awesome capture. Very sharp throughout. Lucky you to get some rain on it! Posted: 10/25/2026 01:03:06