Sunflower Shot. Something's missing

[MaxPower]

I took this shot while visiting my friends new born in the Hospital. I like the composition of the shot, but there's something about it that is troubling me that I can't quite put my finger on.

Hopefully a fresh set of eyes can help me out here.

[MaxPower]

I think this tighter crop has helped.

What do you think?

[gahspidy]

The trouble here is the background, the flash, and just the whole setting really. The grayish wall with the shadows of these flowers from the flash is very unappealing. Also the artificial lighting is dulling the colors and creating a very unatural feel.

[dadas115]

It’s the shadows on the wall caused by the flash. I think it would be much better if you bounced the flash off the celing or something.

Greg

[MaxPower]

The trouble here is the background, the flash, and just the whole setting really. The grayish wall with the shadows of these flowers from the flash is very unappealing. Also the artificial lighting is dulling the colors and creating a very unatural feel.

I see what you mean. Hospital lighting isn't the best to begin with and the wall is very distracting. I find the shadows from the flash a distraction as well.

I guess there's not much I can do with this shot since I really like the composition. Oh well. Maybe next time. Or is there anything I can do to improve it?