Cindy Lynch
October 2026 - Magnolia
Original
About the Image(s)
I walked by this tree and spotted this flower at eye level. I took the shot with my iPhone (the best camera is the one you have with you) and took it into Camera Raw where I used the healing brush and cloning tools to remove the bright spots in the background and the dark areas on the leaves. I sharpened and used clarity, as well.
7 comments posted
Magnolia flowers are sometimes difficult to find and photograph because the flowers are usually so high and last only a day before they start to wither away. You caught this bloom at the right time. I like how you darkened the green leaves behind it to isolate the flower. But, in my mind, the carpels and stamen are a bit over-sharpened and/or over-clarified. Posted: 10/01/2026 19:37:41
Thanks, David. I will try to soften them a bit. Posted: 10/03/2026 14:11:00
Beautiful flower! I like that the leaves on the flower look pearlescent. The texture and color in the leaves frames the flower nicely. Posted: 10/07/2026 13:59:35
Cindy,
I love the radiant look you have imparted to the blossom. It looks almost like it was encased in a ceramic glaze. While that may be what leads to the "oversharpened" look that David mentioned, if they are softened too much, you might lose that radiance, which, to me, is what makes this photo stand out. I also like the way the light dances on the petals.
I find my eye bouncing back and forth between the blossom and the pistil and stamen structure behind it. I'd be tempted to tone it down just a bit. To me, it is a good secondary component to keep the eye studying the image; but I think it competes too strongly with the main subject. Posted: 10/08/2026 01:14:15
I love the radiant look you have imparted to the blossom. It looks almost like it was encased in a ceramic glaze. While that may be what leads to the "oversharpened" look that David mentioned, if they are softened too much, you might lose that radiance, which, to me, is what makes this photo stand out. I also like the way the light dances on the petals.
I find my eye bouncing back and forth between the blossom and the pistil and stamen structure behind it. I'd be tempted to tone it down just a bit. To me, it is a good secondary component to keep the eye studying the image; but I think it competes too strongly with the main subject. Posted: 10/08/2026 01:14:15
Good point. This is why I like this group so much. I didn't notice this earlier. Posted: 10/11/2026 17:47:34
Beck Poole
I love the colours it nearly looks like a painting. The green tones you have used really compliments the flower. The highlights really give it depth. Great job on healing the leaves. I really like this. Posted: 10/22/2026 10:33:56
Another good flower shot where you have made the petals really pop by darkening the leaves. You have controlled the whites of the flower very well and have converted a record shot into something special. I like the stamen at the back of the flower, it adds pleasant contrast with the background and also additional interest. Posted: 10/27/2026 21:30:55