Thanks, Tommy. I've been thinking that my three entries here are probably somewhat "dark" for this challenge--in more ways than one. However, I like them because I think they accomplished the look I was trying for, and I'll probably let them stay. I've also learned a few things about manipulating the background, esp. in the cemetery shot.
--Mary Anne
Perhaps I'm a bit presumptious, but your three images seem to project something just off the beaten track. As with the sunflower and bees, I keep coming back to this one and wondering why. Now I think I can articulate what it is - namely that you have effectively taken one element from a cluttered environment and successfully singled it out without isolating it from its surroundings. Balance is a delicate thing, and your balance here is between the one sharply focused flower and the more expansive, blurry background. The differences in focus and color values is the key. Nicely done and something to learn from. -tv
