like tears from a star

A picture is worth at least 100 word minimum and I feel I have been outdone already. I will have to work to pick my jaw up off the floor and say something this capture doesn't already say on it's own. This very divine image almost exceeds my abilities to describe it. This is not just filler, this is genuine praise. The first thing that struck me about this was it's ability to mimic a painting of someone the caliber of M.J. Heade, no small feat. Yet it doesn't lose it photographic quality. I never feel that I've gotten lost into photo-manipulation world as I have with other photos that have been similar. As for the technical side of this beauty, I'll start with the use of illumination. The light quality here is just fantastic. It is clear and lit with just enough contrast. Dark spots lend the rose depth yet they are not too dark, difficult to see or over-abundant. It is a symphony incandescence and with basically one color to work with, the lighting is of major importance. Score! Detail, detail detail. The detail here is the thing isn't it. You nailed it with exquisite perfection in this macro image. The droplets of water are so wet I wanted to pop them. Or maybe blow on the edges of the flower and watch it flutter. I am pleased, however, with the out of focus center of the rose, giving me perspective on what is a very small distance. It pulls my eye back to the detail of the upper petals and water droplets which are such a delicious parts of this capture and serve as the entrance and exit to the viewers experience. As for the composition, there is not much more to say than what has been said before, you are a painter it seems, as much as you are a photographer. At least for the purpose of this work. Do look up M.J. Heade. His Magnolias, not landscapes. Your composition is impeccable. Break your arm patting yourself on the back, or better yet, get someone else to do it. It's well deserved. This is an amazing work of art. I am a connoisseur of classical art as well as photography, I am impressed. Do please keep up the good work, for all of us.