The living among the dead - Thistle Weed or Thistle Flower?

We stopped at the Iowa information center, one of my favorites near the

Missouri border because of its spray of wildflowers. Consider this thistle,

look at it large and normal size. What's your verdict? Your comments are

always meaningful to me. Thanks in advance. Larry

Larry, this is a beautiful image, greens just fantastic, good distance between subject and b/g. also several possibilities left with this composition. really nice effort!

Hi Larry, looks normal in size to me, we get monster thistles here in Scotland.

Love thr detail and bokeh effect...

regards

Ged

Roger,  thanks for your comment.  What other compositional options do I have here that you have in mind?   I can see cropping out the left.  Thanks again.    Larry

Ged,  My wife and I loved Scotland when we visited 10 years ago.  I also have a plethora of weed thistles in our yard that I continually moan about.  At least this one has a nice flower.   Thanks for your comment.   Best regards.  Larry

Larry, here would be the most obvious other composition. i also had a wee play with the knobs, should not have done that, as what you have is just fine, and also how you chose to display your image.

I quite like thistles as a wildflower, they have great colours and textures as well as that candy floss stuff that erupts in the seed heads when they have finished flowering. This one seems particularly well formed and balanced and sits well in the composition amongst its companions.  I like it.

Best Regards

Alf

Larry, I didn't remember commenting on a thistle, I thought  it was the yellow flowers, so I came over to see and I am glad I did. This is wonderful. The soft purple, or mauve is lovely against the yellow and greens of the background. The soft light background gives the image a whimsical feel. I also like the old dead thistle on the left, it adds depth and interest. 

Alf,  

Thanks for looking at my thistle.  I'll vote for flower too as long as they are not in my yard.  I will never get rid of these intrusive pests.  I appreciate your positive comment.  I always value your images and your comments.   Happy Fall.    Larry

Hi Linda,   

Sorry I confused this image with the yellow flowers.  I took them at the same time.  I am glad you ventured over to this one though and really appreciate your remarks.  I too like the contrast of the dead thistle on the left.  Somehow the dead adds life to the living.    Thanks, again.    Larry