Your accompanying narrative is as good good as any constructive critique.. gonna call it a day here..


I find shots like this mesmerizing. And it is for the exact reasons laid out in your accompanying narrative.

Well-executed technically and artful on the notes of composition.

When viewing your image here, David.. really not thinking along any technical lines.. and for me that is a powerful (creative) statement to have managed to suspend my usual drivel.


Caveats?

Lil'... very lil', that is.. posterization(?) in the left-hand side (upper quadrant). Barely noticeable and even then, only at the largest resolution size(s).

Found a technique that would eliminate it well:

Applying the Filter->Brush Strokes->Spatter effect.. masking off the dandelion ... would work towards mitigating that aspect. (Apply to your layer, and adjust the settings to suit your image.)


Very nice shot and but of course, thank you for sharing this one with us.

+favs for me.

Taking a closer look I see the posterization of which you speak. Going back to the raw photo it seems Adobe Camera Raw does not like this image. The slightest adjustments begin the effect. After pushing the development of the image a bit the smooth gradients of the original image begin to be lost. Good news is it's 90% preventable on my end. One more thing to add to the pre-upload check list.
Oh yes, And Thanks for the complements Les.

Well for me must say all good so got my fave.

Rob

A delicate and almost mystical image - very pleasing to view and excellent desktop material.
I am glad you captured this before a little puff of wind changed the scene for ever :)

I like the composition on this - the curve foremost dandelion seed reminds me of a ballet slipper "on pointe", as if you captured it just before it launches into the air.