Sorry about the absence of author to begin with. Thanks for your comments Gerald and CJ. Yes, it is a nautilus shell. The central effect is the only thing to be added, using dodge and burn. Other than that, the shell was placed on a reading lamp to allow the light to shine through. Julie
Looks great but what is it? I am not even sure whether this is a photo or the result of running some rendering software. And would you please add your name. -Gerald