Apple Blossum...

[OldClicker]

A would appreciate some C&C on this shot. Do the branches detract? Oversharpened? Anything else that can be improved? Thanks, TF

[Frog]

Branches do not detract.
Nice composition.
Good color.
Oversharpened? Nope...looks soft but then that's good for this one in my mind.

[Trevor Ash]

Focusing is very well done here as is DOF! I do actually feel the branches are distracting, at least in the way they overlap with everything else. The other nitpick is the bud behind the white flower. I also feel the buds to the left are draw too much attention. I think this is a technically well executed photograph but that the elements in the composition (not necessarily the composition itself) could use improvement. I suppose one suggestion would to have rotated the camera to the right an inch or two so that the buds on the left were further back (and thus less focused) and the bud behind the flower somehow overlaps less or is less of a distraction.....not sure if that would have been possible....I'd probably have cut it with pruners or stretched the branch so that it wasn't so close

Not sure if this is your plant, but don't be afraid to "mess with nature" for your compositions.

[Overbeyond]

You have a real nice flower study here.The background branches have a nice shape and layout to them and do not upset the composition. My eyes are equally attracted to the buds and flower and I don't think there is any conflict here.
Oversharpened? No;

[Trevor Ash]

I just realized we're close. I'm in Lake Zurich. Hello Neighbor!

[OldClicker]

Branches do not detract.
Nice composition.
Good color.
Oversharpened? Nope...looks soft but then that's good for this one in my mind.

Thanks, Frog. Sharpening is something that I still have a hard time 'seeing' in photography. When I first discovered Elements, I oversharpened (and generally overprocessed) everything and I think I'm still suffering from the backlash. Being the engineering type with zero artistic talent, all these things just have to be learned. - TF

[OldClicker]

I just realized we're close. I'm in Lake Zurich. Hello Neighbor!

Your profile says Crystal Lake. Move? Ever checked out the Lake County Camera Club? I've enjoyed this club. Meets in Mundelein. Also, there are clubs that meet at Rynerson Forest Preserve and Volo Bog that I have not checked out yet.

Thanks for the C&C. I've lightened the branches on this edit (dodge tool) to try to make them less noticeable. I could probably do a decent job cloning out the one in the upper left, but the one going behind the flower on the right would tax my skill. I also have used the saturation tool on the buds to give them that bit of fluorescence and make them more prominent. Maybe I went the wrong direction.

TF

[OldClicker]

Thanks. I appreciate the input since I really admire the artistry of your photos. I'm still trying to 'see' the techniques required. - TF

[GB1]

Wow, really jumps out at me there. The colors are great, composition seems near perfect. Focus could be sharper but some prefer flower shots to be ever so slightly soft, so I guess this is personal preference. My only concern is the little pink flower showing below the main white one.. might be worth a PP edit to see if that really matters.

I find it tough to get flowers sharp. I think it's because macro shots really require an ultra fast SS. Wind's always blowing. Need to bring an assistant along with a big piece of cardboard to block the wind

G