Sharper Than it Looks

[deckcadet]

My first post in this section for many months...
Took this shot for a competition on another forum, entitled 'return to normalcy'- basically use one lens, as close to 'normal' as possible, and only that lens (if possible) for one week and then pick the best shot.
so I present Sharper Than it Looks

Vital Statistics (exif)
Nikon D200/Nikon Capture 4.4
NEF (Compressed), ISO 320 1/25 sec f/4.0 handheld- Lens: Nikon AI 28mm f/3.5 Manual Focus (vintage approx.1977).
Rather fun use of my personal 'fierce' curve that I use for tweaking contrast into a weapon rather than a tool
Also used color balance sliders to remove a lot of the reds and yellows in favor of boosting my greens and blues.
I wish i'd known it would turn out so well with a bit of PP (5-10 mins really, not counting other interpretations) because I could have avoided going on my hands and knees and getting cut and jabbed by those things...they're sharp! (hence the title).
I'm rather enjoying them as subjects though with many of my lenses including my 85mm PC (tilt/shift).
Tell me how you like it!
Harrison

[swmdrayfan]

Your use of the curves and sliders makes this an "other-worldly" piece. You take it from the realm of an otherwise normal shot of this plant to something that could be found on another planet. I like it.

John

[jorgemonkey]

I like it also! The curves adjustment gives it an outerspace look. You can see some of the razor sharp edges on that plant, I wouldn't want to get near it.

[deckcadet]

Glad you all like it... this is one of my first attempts at really changing my shot a lot via PP. I must say it is quite fun.
I should probably work on doing similar stuff with the shots I have of this with the 85PC. Imagine being even closer, with as little as 3 of the little spines in focus.
D200 full size shots are something to behold.