I love the vibrant, warm tones that Helenium brings to the summer garden. I was looking for a single flower that would stand out from the crowd, that I could highlight with an open aperture against the background that was changing in shades of orange. I used selective manual focus stacking.

I am fascinated by the different shapes of the flower, the petals are grouped around it like a dancer's dress and the shallow depth of field makes them appear to be in motion.

Highly Commended - Square Crop