Macro Sempervivum 2

I've been fascinated with macro photography for a long time, but have

always figured the lenses were too expensive and specialized for me to

get enough use out of them. Boy was I wrong. I finally made the plunge

and picked up my first macro lens today and have been having fun all

afternoon experimenting with composition. I came up with a couple of

shots that I am pleased with aesthetically, and I think that they fit the

macro genre (at least in my mind). What are others thoughts on this

particular composition? I usually try to avoid centered subjects but

found myself liking this arrangement. I am also wondering if the image

comes off as too washed out in the highlights?

A beautiful result with very nice lighting, Stephen!

The lighting was a very fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants way of getting this shot.  I was so excited to try out my new lens, but my apartment is dark and it was dreary outside.  I headed down to my basement, potted plant in hand, and turned off all the lights so that it was pitch black.  I used the bulb exposure on my camera and had a shoe-mount flash that I used separately hand-held to experiment with different exposures and lighting angles.  Needless to say, I have found a new rainy-day activity.

It is a beautiful b&w  close up photograph. Also, technically perfect.

Cheers.

I have come back to this shot a few times. It is pleasing to the eye. The texture is inviting. If anything, the light could be a bit duller on the background leaves to the right, but just a little to give better definition and depth. Nice photo. More rainy days should produce more results(!)

Of the two submitted, I like this one the best.  THe texture and details are very nice!

It's a very impressive image of this plant. The highlights look right to me.

Kristina