One of my favorite perennials is Veronicastrum virginicum [Culver's Root]. But I have always had a hard time liking the photographs I've taken of this flower.
Yesterday I tried something new. I applied a couple of filters in PhotoShop to "perk up" the photo and to further soften the background elements.

I'm wondering if you feel this is a viable technique..............................
or, to put it another way.....................
does the technique enhance your appreciation of the plant?
.... or not?

Original.....................


Altered....................

Try capturing it from a different angle.

I PERSONALLY don't care for the altered version, but please remember critiques are subjective. Someone may comment the revision is stunning. Different strokes.

It's a shame no one else provided any feedback. My tip: Try again and take a pic using different angles and backgrounds. Good luck to you.

You have darkened the whole picture, so the foliage has gone black. It would be better if you can just darken the background by selectively darkening the red/orange of the bricks. However, this is never going to be a great shot. Try to find a better viewpoint - the right hand side is darker and looks better. Also, use a wide aperture or longer focal length to throw the background more out of focus, if you can.

Hi John,

The altered photo is stunning of the spires themselves. Does it heighten my appreciation of the plant itself, not really. I can't see the stalk or leaves which is a part of the plant. I would suggest to just try to do a closeup of either the plant or one flower spike and throw the background way out of focus. Definitely change your position because there is way too much clutter in the background: the chair backs, the window and window shutter, the white 5 gallon bucket, the little table, the clay pot, and definitely the white light beyond the house. With some work you can do this!