Mushroom in the Morning

[Sterling]

I just happened to notice this mushroom growing from a tree stump while walking the dog a few days ago. It was lit by the morning sun and the shape of the stump reminded me of a stylized sun shape. I have recently started using Photoshop and it has reignited my interest in photography.

This photo mostly involved desaturating, masking and repainting the stump. Then masking and repainting the mushroom slightly lighter. I'm undecided if desaturating the foliage has been effective in focusing the eye on the mushroom or if it looks too unnatural. I've only been aware of this site for a short time but have greatly enjoyed what I've read so far. This is my first post, so any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Before


After

[Bob McClure]

What an interesting shot. I'm not sure it needed as much tinkering as you did but it sure highlights the mushroom.While fooling around, why not add the numbers to the "clock"?

[kookeer]

I thought the before was better. I think the mushroom and stump were too saturated and the foliage was too desaturated.

[B..]

Originally Posted by Bob McClure

What an interesting shot. I'm not sure it needed as much tinkering as you did but it sure highlights the mushroom.While fooling around, why not add the numbers to the "clock"?

Well, the OP saw the stump as the sun. But now that you've mentioned it as the "clock" then why not also add an exaggerated sundial shadow onto the face of the "clock" ...

[Quo Fan]

I like the edited version. The desaturation is enough to highlight the mushroom, yet still retains some color.

[MSidPhoto]

Personally i like the original version better...because if you see in the original one the the colour of the bark of the tree(the wood) seems much more realistic....

Anyway ....

[Sterling]

Thanks for the comments. Looks like at least somewhat of a split over which one is preferred. I appreciate the feedback.

[harvey3]

before is much better for me too...
"After" picture is a bit obvious of modification.
just I thought.

[elimb]

I like the edited version too, but I'd prefer the mushroom in it's original version