These two blooms are in a lotus garden in Rex, Georgia. What caught my attention was the sweep of the two stems and the contrast of the pink blossoms against the surrounding greens. I used the longer focal length to isolate the pair and minimize distractions in the background. I also wanted to retain the large leaf at the bottom as an anchor for the composition. I cropped significantly from the original to eliminate competing buds, stems and foliage and create greater separation around the two primary flowers. I also darkened and simplified the background to keep attention on the blossoms and emphasize their color and form.
Question for the group: The large foreground leaf helps anchor the two stems, but I haven't been able to find a crop that feels completely balanced. Does the leaf strengthen the composition, or is its visual weight competing with the flowers? Any other suggestions?
Nikon Z8, NIKKOR Z 70??“200mm f/2.8 VR S, 195mm, 1/125 sec at f/8, ISO 250, ??“0.33 EV.
10 comments posted
Janice Solomon
Hi Shari, I love this image and everything you did in post processing. Don't change a thing! I thought you took this at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. I didn't know there were other lotus gardens in USA. :-) Posted: 08/05/2026 15:02:35
Shari Garnsey
Oh, thanks Janice, Interesting story about this location - it is someone's private place - a fishing pond and lotus garden. "Free" with a recommended $8 per person donation. Definitely on the list for future years Posted: 08/06/2026 16:17:55
Julie Deer
Hi Shari, your image has been cropped well in my opinion. Perhaps try to leave a little more of the leaf, but I feel it really adds to the image. Without it it would just be two flower stems disappearing into nothing. The leaf adds to the story. May I suggest removing the bright pink spot (fuzzy bud) in the background between the two flowers as it keeps taking my attention away from the flowers which are quite sharp. Well seen! Posted: 08/07/2026 02:19:32
Shari Garnsey
Thanks Julie - and thanks for seeing that distraction in the background. (Now it's all I can see! LOL) I'll remove it Posted: 08/09/2026 17:58:05
Andrew Hersom
Nice image. My only suggestion would be to crop off or lighten the dark leaf at the bottom left hand side. Also removed the feint pink spot in the background. Posted: 08/07/2026 19:25:35
Shari Garnsey
Thank you much - Posted: 08/09/2026 17:59:21
Don Hill
Hey Sheri, I agree with Andrew. Nuff-said. nice image. Since my clan is from Georgia, they must have pretty flowers there. Posted: 08/09/2026 03:16:08
Shari Garnsey
Thanks Don - and they do grow pretty flowers here! Posted: 08/09/2026 17:58:36
Ling Ling Juang
Hi, Sheri,
This is a really beautiful shot of the lotus flowers. I understand your dilemma, but your crop turns out very well; I think the leaf in the bottom provides a good base. I might even show a bit more of it. Thanks for sharing. Posted: 08/11/2026 22:38:50
Shari Garnsey
Thank you Ling Ling - I am definitely still playing with that leaf - I feel like Goldilocks looking to get it "just right" LOL Posted: 08/13/2026 20:00:12
