Sometimes, when a photograph is a little overexposed and soft, as this one is, it doesn't mean that's all you're going to get out of it. If you have Photoshop in your computer there are ways to create something beyond what you first saw in your camera's viewfinder. I downloaded your Leaf Assault into my Mac's Photoshop and applied Levels in the Image: Adjustments menus to it, making the photo darker and improving its contrast. I then Sharpened it in Filters but it still wasn't surviving well; if I sharpened it too much it would have pixelated into a million little points of light (over-sharpening is something too many novices fall victim to). Instead I decided to make a piece of art of it by utilizing first the Poster Edge Filter, then closing Filters to keep the settings I used, then applying the Ink Outlines Filter, and finally saving it with a different name. The result is a very vibrant painting of Coleus leaves. As I was typing this my wife walked into the room and I showed her the comparison -- the term "vibrant" was hers. You can experiment (as long as you have the software) with filters, keeping your original safe for another day. Photos like this, that show a myriad of duplicated and highly detailed objects, often make great screens, as long as there is a strong dark border, around the image, to allow the computer's icons to still be viewable. You have a good eye for the big picture but you're not finished with this one.

-Nikoneer

I've seen beds of coleus many times when I didn't have my camera with me, and I keep telling myself to photograph them! The general effect of this pic is soft and muted...perhaps shot on an overcast day. I am going to use it for a desktop for times when I WANT my icons hidden...because behind each is some chore I need to do on the computer! :) All that said I agree that this is an ideal pic to play with using various filters. It isn't necessary to use Photoshop filters if you don't want to pay $$ to buy the program just to get your feet wet in the concept of applying filters. There are free programs like PhotoFiltre and PaintDotNet whose filters are nice and fun to play with. And Kudos to you for having your camera with you at the right time!

I agree with these two commentaries. Overall, I really like the photo you've captured. It is a great one to play around with. Nice work.

You have received some great advice and instruction. That is the great thing about this site. Nice post and a belated welcome to Caedes.

TicK

I like it. Seems like you got good advice, I can't add to it GoodLuck