Two images with different backgrounds

[wmchauncey]

Two shots of the same plant, one using black Plexiglas and the other with white nylon covering the Plexiglas...
natural lighting from open patio doorway.  Both images processed in PS CC using identical settings.
CC appreciated on both.     

[pcgpcg]

It's surprising how the backgrounds make the image appear so different.  I really like the photo with the black background.  It has more depth and allows my brain to sort of wander into the flowers and makes them feel much more three dimensional.

[pegelli]

Same for me, the dark background feels more balanced and more pleasing to explore.

I think the white background can work, but then it would need some back light to shine through the petals for a more luminous effect.

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

It's surprising how the backgrounds make the image appear so different...

Not really (surprising)... just basic laws of human perception and Gestalt principles.

The above example also illustrates why we need to process images differently based on their final destination. In other words, the one destined for, say, a Flickr black background, should differ from the one meant to be printed and matted inside a white border. The latter would need extra exposure.

[wmchauncey]

The latter would need extra exposure

As in, using a light box.     

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

As in, using a light box.     

I was having in mind extra exposure in post processing.

[luxborealis]

Both are beautiful. The white background version looks more like an Ikea ad; the black background is rich and alive.

One point about both. The daylight from the patio window contrasts with the somewhat warmer light on the left side, a contrast that doesn't do justice to the exquisite colours of the orchids.