Macro Mums

Camera info: Nikon D200, 60mm 2.8 macro lens, top image f4.8 at 1/5th, ISO 100; middle image f 3.5 at 1/25th; bottom image f2.8 at 1/90th.

Post processing: Top image: duplicated the background in a softlight layer at 20% opacity, sharpened with the Edge, darkened the edges by painting with softlight on a layer, highpass filter for final sharpening. Middle image: cleaned up spots, duplicated the background in softlight at 40% opacity, sharpened with the Edge, added both a Curves and a Levels layer for more contrast. Bottom image: cleaned up distractions in the background, levels and curves layers for brightening, curves for contrast, the Edge and PopSickle for details, and Punch Drunk for more punchy colors.