Textured Coneflowers
In reviewing this image in post, I thought the composition might lend itself well with a texture blend. By itself I suppose it was fine, but I felt the need to do something a little different instead of a plain, out of focus background. This is the result. I experimented with 3 or 4 different ones until finally settling on this one that just “felt right.” I have always wanted to create a collection of these, just haven’t put the time into it yet.
I also thought it might make for a good candidate in some health care artwork that I have been selling over the past few years. Flowers always seem to do well as they are “universally pleasing.”
Subject matter can be quite particular for hospitals. Birds – a no-no. Some people are just freaked out by them. Thank you Hitchcock! Same goes for any predatory animals, bugs. It even goes as far as avoiding things like using waterfalls in renal treatment areas. The selection process is quite similar to how photo editors may not choose the best image photographically, but the one that better suits their specific needs.
Blogoversary
On a side note, I suppose today is the anniversary of this blog – wow, 6 years of posts. Total comments so far; 3,886. Thank you Askimet for blocking nearly 13,000 spam comments – human scum! Total 447 posts – obviously some more inspired than others. 🙂 I don’t think I have ever made an announcement or point of celebrating the start date before. It becomes quite a blur after awhile – similar to birthdays! 🙂 My favorite posts to work on are at the end of the year when I reflect back on images made that year. I find it interesting to see how my photography has changed, or still stayed the same.
I am quite thankful for all of the regular visitors and your comments, and certainly welcome any newcomers. I know I am not a frequent poster – seems my biggest month has been 12 posts! Sometimes I am just at a loss for what people might want to read as part of their busy days. Sometimes I am just too darn busy myself. I often just go with my gut. Many of you have been around and commenting for a very long time – and for that I am very appreciative of your continued support. THANK YOU!!!
I really like the use of texture. I think it was really successful. I have just started trying it out textures on some of my photos and I really only achieved one success so far! Very inspiring 🙂
Mark can you tell me why my coneflower has not blossomed this year. I had one flower with a pathetic show of petals otherwise only heads and no petals. Could it be some type of blight or insect infestation. I live in Michigan area.
VJ – I really don’t know. Both the domestic kind we have at our house as well as these type seemed to bloom early this year.
BTW, I like the subtle textures in the greenery beyond the flowers in this shot. Very effective.
So I shouldn’t try to sell a HUGE print of my golden orb weaver (spider) to the local hospital, is what you’re saying? Dang… 😉
You could try Lana, but I doubt you would be successful. 😉
Mark, I like the texture blend for the coneflowers. WOW, six years, Happy Blog-o-versary!
That’s a long time to keep a blog going — thank you for that!
Nice, Mark! I’m a bit behind the times – I’m just starting to enjoy textured images, for some reason, and I am enjoying this one!
– Jack
congrats on blogging for 6 years 🙂 I enjoy your posts/images and try to make a point of stopping by 🙂
Happy anniversary. A nice rendering of the Coneflowers!
Hi Tomas. Thanks! I was going for a bit grittier look, so your comments about the harshness tell me I may have succeeded! 🙂
If it was your intention then you did excellent work 🙂
Oh, a textured photo from you? What a surprise 🙂 The photo is great – I think that the stony background complements the flowers pretty well. The only think that bugs me a bit is that whole image seems to me as a bit over-sharpened. Or perhaps not over-sharpened but just “harsh”.
Congratulations to your blogoversary! I always enjoy your posts, even the long ones 🙂