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My 100mm F2.8 IS L macro lens is a wonderful window into an entirely new world, making the small visible, and on a scale that we can properly appreciate.
These are some lilac florets from the end of the larger flower.
The image above was edited in LR and then had some texture added and tweaking in PS (that image is below) however it was a bit noisy when viewed at 100% so I decided to run it through Topaz Impression for a slightly painted look applied over the below image, just to soften it out and brighten the colour slightly.
Which do you prefer? Or would you rather see a straight photo without any further editing?
Learning to See Light 
I prefer the second photograph 🙂
Each one has its merits, thanks
I like the first photo. It looked like a painting, which I thought, was very pretty.
THANKYOU!
I really like that first image – it is more romantic
I like romantic 😎
This IS lovely Stacey. Such a beautiful subject. My preference is the 1st image – it seems to have a touch more softness about it for such a delicate subject. Isn’t macro wonderful?! 😃
Macro is such fun – yes the painting softens it just enough, I agree.
They are both wonderful. Topaz sounds like a powerful tool. Do you use it a lot?
Impression is just one of several programs made by topaz. Yes it is very powerful. I use it occasionally when I want a specific look or finish to my work. Sometimes the painted effect just adds a little extra style 😎