lovely color and good focus, nicely done

is this HDR?

I think the leaves are more part of the background than the actual subject.

Hi Wiseman - it's not a HDR. It's straight out of camera with an adjustment to the levels and a vibrance boost in Camera Raw.

Friiskiwi - I'm not really sure what you mean but the leaves and stem are part of the lily. I did do a PP version of this and removed the llily leaves but in my opinion it looked like the lotus was just an abstract of something. The black background is actually caused by the dark water (the lily is in a wooden barrel used as a pond). In my opinion the leaves are needed to help 'ground' the subject. Anyway I didn't want to remove them because that would be excessive PP and not within the contest guidleines.

I can see your point here author, but the leaves do tend to draw the eye from the main subject, that being the bud itself. It might have been better if they were darker, imo.

I totally agree Ade - but it would still be selective editing which isn't allowed unless specified in the theme. This theme only allows for corrections to the black background. Sure - I could probably do it but I would rather a couple bright leaves and keep my integrity intact.

fair answer, and good on you for looking to keep to the rules........good luck.....