I first took this photo into Camera Raw to adjust the highlights and shadows.
I then reduced noise in the image using the noise reduction tools.
I also used the spot removal tool to blur the bus reflection in the window.
Photoshop Settings Used:
I first turned on the black and white adjustment layer and adjusted the settings.
I then used the white brush to unmask the colors in the flowers.
I ended by zooming in with the black brush to sharpen the edges around the flowers.
Design Thoughts:
I wanted correct the shadows and highlights in the image in order to make the flowers pop out more.
I also wanted to brighten up some of the colors in the flowers to make them pop.
I wanted to make the photo seem as though it was originally black and white with color added to the flowers.
I wanted to eliminate some things in the background that were taking away from the focus of the photo.
Contrast: The colors in the flowers provide excellent contrast in this image. No other contrast was needed. The black and white background does make the flowers stand out a little more.
Repetition: I did not add any repetition to this image. The color of the flowers do repeat throughout the image.
Alignment: The planter box aligns with the center of the rule of thirds.
Proximity: It is easy to see that the planter box is the focus of the image because of it's proximity with the rest of the image. It is placed in the front with no other distractions.