betty ford garden 001

All C&C and ratings are welcome. As a serious hobbist, I really

appreciate comments on how to improve this shot. I will try to

return the favor. Thanks.

Dave, this is just really nice. really like the full focal point on flower. also find the dark green b/g very attractive.  do have a wee nit here, your iris looks like a salmon stuffed into a sardine can as far as space in the frame is concerned.  in my opinion image would present better with a bit of breathing room all the way around. still a very nice image to work with. 

Roger, thanks for the suggestion. I will give it a try. I still don't quite understand when to crop close and when to place the point of interest in a broader space. Any general tips on this decision?  Thanks Dave.

Great colours and clarity! The left side seems particualrly tight to the frame, you might want to "rotate canvas" in photoshop to even it out and add canvas to allow a touch more space, otherwise its a stunning shot!

Best Regards

Alf

Dave,  it always seems to be a question of balance. this image is well worth the effort spent to get it right.  its hard to say when a image is right or wrong as everyone's taste is a bit different.  usually a bit of breathing space goes well.  when a image appears cramped it looses quite a bit of its appeal.  with this image have you noticed the face with the two drops as eyes the big ears and the tongue sticking out. 

Alf - thanks for the helpful comment.

Roger - thanks for the retrurn visit and answer to my question.

I reworked the shot to add a little open space - is this what you were trying to helpme see? Dave

Dave, your now at the stage where what really matters is how you see it or what works for you.  i would also put a bit of space on the bottom but that's just me. a really good way to check your compositions is just look through flower books, there are many thousands of them and see other peoples styles. you don't have to copy them but you can at least see what works and learn from it.

Roger, you are right about space at the bottom. I started to do that but the stem had already been cut off. Just a good reason to go back next summer and try again. Thanks for all your help, Dave.

I liked your picture very very much! Great clarity, and great "posture" of the flower.

The gentlemen are right - it needs space. I worked on it. I added space all around and alot. Then duplicated the layer and used gaussian blur. With erazor cleaned the flower, leaving the end of the (enlarged )stem and the very tips of the leaves (side) a bit blurred. It looks as if it is coming out of green fog! So delicate! wow, it is stunning. Envey you! Great shot.! Warm regards, Tamara

You guys have definetely worked out the details, but that's literally the only issue I see. The bottom space. BUT! I love it. DOF... perfect. BOKEH... perfect. lighting... excellent! WELL DONE!

here's my idea...