flower closeup

[freedom1500]

I'm interested in hearing your comments. (Also very interested in hearing from anyone who knows what kind of flower this is.) Thanks. Robert

[GB1]

Robert - Very bright, very awakening. I like the dark area on the left side behind the flower, and also how the back area on the right seems to be exploding out. The only thing that I'm not about is the softness of the flower itself -- this may have been a good thing, but I would like to see it sharp also to know which way is better.

G

[freedom1500]

Good point GB1. I'll try sharpening the flower in PS and leaving the background soft.
Thanks.

[Frog]

I think the softness with those colors is just right. Sort of a Horton effect.
I always complain about chopped petals though.

[AgingEyes]

I think it could be better if the top and bottom petals were not clipped.

[Didache]

I think the main problem (apart from the clipping) are the two blooms sticking up between the petals at the bottom and the one which is partly obscuring the clipped petal at the top. Flower photography is not easy (I know - I suck at it!) but I do know that you do need to do a little housekeeping - making sure that there is nothing obscuring the main bloom, clearing away distracting elements, etc. Is this in your garden? If so, please do have another go at it. You don't have to do any damage witht he housekeeping - just a little gentle moving of things, if you can.

Cheers
Mike