Cloudy Flower - Please Critique

[OneArmedScissor125]

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Editing: Black & White, Increased brightness, added fuzzy border, added a black layer at about 30% opacity, added difference clouds to black layer.

The original photo is one of the better flower photos I've taken recently. This photo has become the center of my attention to see how I could make it more interesting. This is one of the more unique results.

[filemanager]

I love it!!

The only thing I can think of to suggest is the "fuzzy" white cloudy parts? They aren't evenly distributed - like there's a white clump at the top, then the bottom is more dark.. not sure if there's anything you can do about that - but otherwise it's awesome!

[TW1NS]

i think the cloudiness might work around the flower, but it doesn't work for me over the flower...

[Robin Sarac]

I don't know...too much effect for my tastes. Like TW1NS says...maybe try around the flower, but not the flower itself?

[kelly]

I agree with the cloudiness around the flower. Do you still have the original?

[OneArmedScissor125]

Yes, I have the original. I'm working on different versions and will soon have one where only the background is cloudy. Thanks for all the comments, I now see where the cloudiness really overpowers the flower. I just love the effect way too much.

[snapdragon]

Have you tried the Orton effect ? it may work well on this photo . I like it on single blooms like yours .

[OneArmedScissor125]

I have heard other people refer to this effect but I have no idea what it is. Is it relatively easy to do and what is it exactly? Thanks to anyone that can answer this for me.

[snapdragon]

The Orton Effect is as i understand it done in layers , I use photo studio so if you use Photo Shop like most you may find my explanation a tad confussing , but here goes . you open up your image & make 2 copys ,#1copy will be made out of focus with gaurrian blur ,take it to a # 12 or so till it is fairly blurry ,every photo will be different.............. #2 copy layer you will make over exposed , you have to play around with the opacity of each layer until you like what you get when you merge all layers down & that is it , getting the right combo is the key , I hope the steps are easy to follow ,it is a simple process ,but tweeking is needed , Have fun .Someone else may know of a better or easier way to get the effect & will share .

[OneArmedScissor125]

Tried a real quick Orton Effect and my first attempt at it. I'm gonna mess around with it more over the next few days. Any comments whether it looks like the Orton Effect or not would be appreciated.