Hi Lois. Yes, to me it is about art. Surely we must learn to use our equipment but that's not the part I am passionate about. Color and composition and unusual things is what it is about to me.
As for this photo, yes the reflection and the shadow are confusing but they are separate things. The mystery to me is why the head of the flower does not create a shadow beyond the lily pad. The confusion as to shadow vs reflection is another issue.
Do you have some photos to show? I'd like to see your work. (Oh duh, found your site. Wonderful work!!! Love the Raku shot. I do pottery (raku too)and sculpting, and firing too, also not on my site) I have not put my photography on my site. It only has my painting on it.
Maybe we should start a thread of unusual shots. I am not a sunset picture taker. I like the unusual!