Red rose close ups

[yakkosmurf]

I'm going to be in Hawaii and Japan for several weeks next month, and I'd like to get better at taking flower shots before then. I took these of some roses in a pot on my kitchen table. Used a close up lens and external flash. I haven't done any cropping yet, as I'm trying to take better shots first. I thought critiquing might be easier with the whole shot. Thanks for looking.

[Copy_Kot]

I'm going to be in Hawaii and Japan for several weeks next month, and I'd like to get better at taking flower shots before then.

I am extremely envious, I would love to visit Japan! I hope you have a wonderful time there.

I haven't done any cropping yet, as I'm trying to take better shots first. I thought critiquing might be easier with the whole shot.

No it isn't. It's much more difficult (for me anyway) to critique an unfinished image. Without seeing the finished product, all I can say is your DOF and exposure look fine.

[readingr]

On the first photo the black stick / pole is very off putting. It would have been better to move it or take a different flower.

The others are fine for unfinished photos.

Roger