This is my first submission...any advice will be greatly welcomed!
the first is a rose taken yesterday, the second i s camila taken on thanksgiving day..

Welcome to PR!

I like the pastel colours on these pictures, especially the first, but I don't understand why you've cut them out and put them on a black background. The black bacground reminds me of school science text books. Can you not leave them on the original background?

Sorry I don't mean to sound harsh and there is every likelihood I'm talking rubbish!

Cheers,
Chris

I love the shot of the rose, the shape is wonderful, and as a strong graphic image it really leaps out at me. In this case I think the black backround helps. I've seen very similar digital images printed on canvas, and large scale they can look stunning. If you are happy to photoshop, have you tried switching the black for anything else (like white)? It might look interesting. On my lcd monitor the focus looks a little soft, but as the colours are so gentle I don't really find that problem, it is actually quite soothing.

With the second image, I think I just don't particularly like the flower, and I'm not sure I can see past that dislike to offer any constructive comment, sorry!

m

I love these photos and makes me want to experiment with macro. I wouldn't change a thing

well the reason for no background is that im intending to make the
rose a gift to my mom...
so a more formal thing was my intention.. the camila was really just for practice,
as i have only had ps cs for a couple of weeks, so yes ill post another shot of the rose
with a white background..

Your works remind me of an artist from Hawaii. You can see some of her work at the following: http://www.ginettepitre.com/gallery.htm

I swear the two of you would work well together.

I like the images on the black background better. To me, they stand out more, and keep your attention right on the flower. Personally, it made me want to check out the flowers more for the detail that you captured. Beautiful images.... .