Shoot and Edit: Flowers edit

I spent a bit of time last night playing around with multiple edits for my flower shot this week.  I knew starting out that I wanted to warm up the photo.  Although the flowers are from a plum tree, they are more pink in real life.  The SOOC shot had too much purple and gray.

First I tried my hand at editing it using many of the same steps I've used in the past few weeks.

For the second edit, I started off the same as the first by adjusting levels and adding high pass.  I merged the layers then used Ashley's Nice & Easy action.  I like how it added a few of the adjustments I typically use as well as one I don't always think to (hue/saturation).  I tweaked all of the layers/options except brightness/contrast.  And I turned on the solid fill layer.

Finally, I backed up in my steps using snapshots and returned to my original edit.  I duplicated the SOOC background image, applied the dry brush.  I then duplicated that layer and ran the action I made for myself weeks ago to do the high pass filter.  I merged those two layers.  Duplicated the layer it created and added the angled strokes.  I finished with the same levels and color balance I used in my first edit.

I did not try an edit with Pixel Bender as I can not find a plugin compatible with my older version of Photoshop (CS).  If anyone knows differently, please let me know - I'd love to try it.

Here is a look at all 4 side-by-side:

I like the 1st & 3rd the best - the warmth and brightness.  The differences between them are so subtle I have a hard time picking between them.  Thanks for taking a look at my edits!

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