Melanie Hurwitz  


Irises by Melanie Hurwitz

September 2023 - Irises

About the Image(s)

I am always fascinated by this intricate flower and enjoy photographing it.
These were in a vase against a glass door. The background is the garden.
I really liked that one was standing tall above the bunch.
After smoothing out the background, I took the image into Nik Color Efex. I used lighten/ darken and added a glow to the central Bloom.
I'm looking forward to your comments.
F6.3. 1/125, ISo 800, Lens 200mm


This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted




Fran Yates   Fran Yates
(Groups 20 & 39)
This is beautifully done, Melanie. I love the contrast of the purple iris and the soft green background. The details on the petals are sharp. I have no suggestions for the photograph. If I were to be nitpicky, I would like to see a different height for some of the flowers in the middle...kind of a triangle...high in the center, then gradually working out in height to the lowest on the ends. But that would be a different photo and this is lovely.   Posted: 09/14/2023 15:53:37
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
(Group 66)
Thanks Fran. Your version would have worked but makes it a different picture. I was drawn to the single bloom that was separated from the bunch.   Posted: 09/21/2023 18:14:51
Fran Yates   Fran Yates
(Groups 20 & 39)
And that is your vision...your photo, your vision. I had an instructor who's first question was, "What was your vision?" then he would comment. It is a lovely photo.   Posted: 09/22/2023 22:15:56



Dick States   Dick States
Beautiful sharp image with great colors. Wonderful background that complements the Irises very well. To my eye I actually like how the one flower stands all on its own above the rest drawing attention it itself. It sets itself apart from the rest and becomes the main focal point in the image. Now for me to be a bit nitpicky I would tone down the bright spot along the stem of the main flower near the base. If I study this image for a while my eye goes, there.
This is a great shot, very nice.   Posted: 09/14/2023 18:10:39
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
(Group 66)
Thanks Dick for your very valid "nitpick" the area certainly need to be toned down   Posted: 09/21/2023 18:16:22



Maria Mazo   Maria Mazo

Hi Melanie,
I really like your image. I have always loved Iris flowers. The colours and textures of your background complement the bunch of flowers perfectly. The colors are beautifully delightful, and the composition works well for me. My only suggestion is regarding the bright spot that Dick has mentioned to you; it draws attention due to its brightness.

  Posted: 09/16/2023 02:19:07
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
(Group 66)
Thanks Maria. I agree that the bright spot needs to be toned down.   Posted: 09/21/2023 18:17:15



Diana Duffey   Diana Duffey
Hello Melanie, what a lovely image! Great color, detail and background texture. Dick made a good suggestions regarding the bright spot on the stem of the main flower. Well done!   Posted: 09/18/2023 02:51:09
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
(Group 66)
Thanks Diana   Posted: 09/21/2023 18:17:40