Well, been working on this, and it seems there are artifacts in the black, but, that is part of the flower that did not get the kaleidoscope effect. I guess that's the way PS works. Have sharpened, worked with brightness and contrast, and color etc. Hope it is good............Well, maybe somewhat good LOL
Love it, muted colors and the symmetry go well together.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I love all the critiques, but, because of each of your (slightly) differing viewpoints on some things, I sometimes am not sure what is "pleasing" to the eye of others, or if that is when the "artist" comes in, and I have to decide for myself. I still lean toward others, because ones personal view is not always what is visually good to others.
(Feb 4, 2015, 17:50)czkid Wrote: [ -> ]Well, been working on this, and it seems there are artifacts in the black, but, that is part of the flower that did not get the kaleidoscope effect. I guess that's the way PS works. Have sharpened, worked with brightness and contrast, and color etc. Hope it is good............Well, maybe somewhat good LOL
I've been involved with Camera clubs and competing in multiple competitions each month for over 10 years, show the same image to 3 Judges and you'll get 4 opinions on what is right and wrong with it.
I long ago came to the conclusion that the only opinion that matters is mine! (At least when it comes to my pictures.) Don't get me wrong, the opinions of others is very important to growing as a photographer, to improve both technically and artistically. But to enjoy your own pictures on a personal level, do what you like and make them look how you enjoy them.
Don't want to hijack czkid's thread, but I do agree with you Craig...Critique does help in development but sometimes you know, to get some out of their insularity. I do understand about Judges too... been there so often to the extent where I don't bother any more... tired of the self important opinionated and the "experts" (pixel peepers) who just want to pontificate and enjoy the attention!
@Czkid... keep doing what you do and enjoy it... use us to take from and what helps you to achieve YOUR aims... and then, don't forget to give back to others later on in your journey...
Kind regards
Rolf
Hi Rolf,
I sure appreciate all of you, and your advice, and I happen to be a person who sees things (not always) thru the view of others.........it helps with personal perspective, and in the very distant future I might be able to help others on their journey..........if I learn enough from the masters.
(Feb 5, 2015, 14:28)Rolf Wrote: [ -> ]Don't want to hijack czkid's thread, but I do agree with you Craig...Critique does help in development but sometimes you know, to get some out of their insularity. I do understand about Judges too... been there so often to the extent where I don't bother any more... tired of the self important opinionated and the "experts" (pixel peepers) who just want to pontificate and enjoy the attention!
@Czkid... keep doing what you do and enjoy it... use us to take from and what helps you to achieve YOUR aims... and then, don't forget to give back to others later on in your journey... 
Kind regards
Rolf
[quote='czkid' pid='99639' dateline='1423483729']
Hi Rolf,
I sure appreciate all of you, and your advice, and I happen to be a person who sees things (not always) thru the view of others.........it helps with personal perspective, and in the very distant future I might be able to help others on their journey..........if I learn enough from the masters.
Then decide what genre you feel you want to pursue and study the acknowledged masters of that and similar genres...

For me, that is Landscapes and Wildlife with a bit of reportage...but no Master! - not even close... I do like to do it "in camera" so admire Henri Cartier-Bresson's principles. I like work by Charlie Waite, Ansell Adams, Andy Rouse, Chris Gomershall, Guy Edwardes... there are many that I draw inspiration from...
Enjoy your journey...
Kind regards
Rolf