Well, I love dahlias and this one is beautiful. I think the "derivative" isn't necessary, but I know that's something you enjoy doing.
You don't mention your F Stop. I would have given it more depth of field, as the pointed ends of some of the outer petals are "soft", but the colors are magnificent and I think it's really, really well done.   Posted: 12/11/2025 02:50:24

Doug, another well composed Dahlia. I agree with Donna that a smaller f-stop might have worked better. Your lens and camera certainly could have done a better job of DoF as the center of the flower does not appear sharp to me. I'm beginning to think that you might of have had a great f-stop, F11-F18 but to the point its suffer from "too slow" of a shutter speed. And that is 1/160th is too slow for hand held closeups and your cam would easily come up with acceptable images with shutter speed of 1/1000 th sec. and higher. I always use unprecedented ISO to conquer camera or subject movement. I also use "back button focus" on my Nikon that keeps the subject in focus while I rock back and forth. I know you are younger but always keeping rhythm. Does your OM1 have the back button that would keep you image in focus?   Posted: 12/12/2025 17:07:37

It's hard to imagine how the AI derivative was extracted from the original shot Doug because they hardly look similar.
If I assume that the AI derivative is the image you want critiqued, then it is fascinating to view and could stand on its own in any modern art gallery.
The colours and the gradation and the crispness - excepting for the softness in the centre - really invite the eye to wander around the image.
I look forward to your next art image.   Posted: 12/14/2025 18:08:14

Hi Dough, I am a new member to this group. I have been a while in altered reality group but not familiar with 'AI Derivative' and how it relates with your original image. I would much appreciate your explanations.   Posted: 12/19/2025 02:41:31