Comment from Susan F. M. T.
Mary,
A beautiful picture of the "Love in a Mist" flower Bud it's seed pods appearing in the centre f the still closed blue petals, the other bud hidden in the mist is appropriate given the name of the Flower! (The Blue variety is called Nigella) it also comes in pink & white. Artistic composition framing & soft lighting with superb camera techniques with Sharp focus.
Susan

 Comment Written 01-Nov-2015

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reply by the author on 03-Nov-2015

Thanks so much Susan for your feedback and informative comments. Cheers Mary :)

Comment from EDBD1
Soft and magical look, with a well defined emotional sense of reaching. The slightly cross leaning and offset composition is perfect for this the bracts of the plant seem to be reaching outward, and the bit of light in the background not only adds depth, it adds a sort of mysticism. Lovely soft focus.

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2015

Thanks so much your positive feedback is really appreciated. :) Mary

Comment from michiganmike
A very nice shot that captures the delicacy of the plant. I like the colors and the sharp focus on the bud but think this might have been better as a vertical. It is my belief that most nature shots are essentially portraits and benefit from being framed as such.

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2015

Thanks so much Mike yes would love to have cropped but competition stated no edits so other than converting from Raw this is straight from camera. :) Mary

Comment from GaliaG
nice capture of the flower and good blur background

but, the contrast need to be pop up to make the flower seem better

thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2015

Thanks so much GaliaG yes would love to have adjusted contrast and maybe cropped a little but competition stated no edits so other than converting from Raw this is straight from camera. :) Mary

Comment from Imagine Life
Wow, this is such a lovely, gentle, fragile-looking bud! Your camera settings were great for this shot - large aperture worked perfectly to get the sharp focus on the bud while beautifully blurring the greenery and thus getting rid of all the distractions in the background. Colors are very soft and harmonious - the white and green tones give a relaxing, gentle, optimistic touch to it. The only thing I believe could be improved is the composition. The eye of the viewer automatically follows the direction into which the bud is leaning (towards the right border), meaning the empty space on the left side of the bud is a bit redundant. I'd try to follow the rule of photographic thirds here - with moving the bud from the center to the left of your frame, the eye of the viewer would circle around better while the newly created empty space on the right of the bud would become functional. And another, very minor thing: I'd try not to cut off the upper part of that lovely-looking bud! Apart from that, this is a superb and technically wonderfully executed macro shot! Best of luck in the contest!! :)

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Oct-2015

Thanks so much Rebecca, yes would have cropped left space if editing was allowed. I appreciate your positive feedback and continued support.

reply by Imagine Life on 22-Oct-2015

Hehe, I think you've got the wrong person there, lady Mary! :D It doesn't matter, I love Rebecca. Btw, I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think cropping is considered editing... It shouldn't be! The best of luck in the contest - I hope to see your name on the winner's list as this is truly a stunning shot!
-Kate

Comment from Lilibug6
This is very nice! The focus is very good! The colors are great! The lighting and presentation are very nice! Well done and a pleasure to view! Lilibug6

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Oct-2015

Thanks again Lori :) Mary

reply by Lilibug6 on 22-Oct-2015

YOu are very welcome! Lori

Comment from photobeat
what a soft shot, really love how creamy the background is, color balance and depth of field are perfect, well done indeed, hope you win the contest, beny ")

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Oct-2015

Thanks again Beny, your support is always appreciated. :) Mary

Comment from Dick Lee Shia
Visually soothing dainty subject in verdant overtone.
Creative concept. Innovative approach. Imaginative presentation. A great initial impact. Nice interesting subject. Excellent POV & DOF...Harmonious colors. Impressive lighting, focusing & framing. Thanks for sharing...

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Oct-2015

Thanks so much Dick, always appreciate your constructive feedback. :) Mary

Comment from Sean T Phelan
Cool,Mary!
Your good looking photo presents us with a colorfully appealing new Botanical Image,my friend!
It's a really enjoyable picture indeed!
~Sean

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 21-Oct-2015

Thanks so much Sean, appreciate your encouragement and support. :) Mary

reply by Sean T Phelan on 21-Oct-2015

You're very welcome,Mary! : )

Comment from a.samathasena
What a great nice gorgeous lovely shot.Beautiful nice natural nature scene.Lovely flower bud,,ready to blooming occasion,green around spirals,green b/g are gorgeous great and make a nice nature scene.Very Nice entrance.I like this talent work.Focus color and all are excellent.Great job.Well Done.Thanks.

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2015

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reply by the author on 21-Oct-2015

Thanks so much, your encouragement and support is appreciated. :) Mary