End of a bloom

[HansE]

Poppy plant with many flowers

[Phoenix]

I quite like your subject, it has interesting curves and nice interesting spiral thingy on top.
The light is nice and I like how you have not put the main subject in the centre. The reds are bright and bold and I like how they form a natural frame.
I think the image could be even better if you had plucked those two red bits off the top. Maybe softer and more directional light might lift the image overall as the light is a bit flat.

[HansE]

I am happy with the shapes that were created. It has an abstract feel about it. Not sure whether I find the petals distracting or adding to the effect. But your comments appreciated.
Cheers Hans

[bill jolley]

I like the bits that come from the bottom to my eye they seem stop the bulb form falling over. Nice strong colors Bill

[sejac]

Pity only two people have commented on your work HansE. Let's hope a few more will stop by.

Here's my 2 cents worth. Let me start by saying that I am only offering what is my opinion, filtered as it is by my personal ideas on macro/flower photography. You don't have to agree with any of it!! And I sound very picky most of the time. Just a grumpy old bloke.

My first impression was to feel that your subject, interesting as it is, is cropped rather too tightly. The petals at the bottom edge to me feel cut off. I would like to see the petals and more of the stem in the composition.

I'm afraid I don't agree with Jo about the light. It looks very even, but that makes your seed pod look a bit flat. Which direction was the light coming from? Can't really tell. It just looks too even! Also, the top of the pod looks a bit over-exposed and blown. Taking it down a bit may bring out more detail and texture.

Your background is certainly bright and spectacular. I love the OOF look. Backgrounds in shots like this I feel are so important. If it was my shot, I would clone out the green stem in the bottom RH corner. And I would tone down the white area to the left of the pod. To me, it competes for attention with the pod rather too much.

OK. Hans, forgive me, but I can't resist having an edit play with you image. I hope I don't cause offense ........

[HansE]

I tend not to like something that I can see has been pushed too far. In this case I can see where you are coming from and it has created a more dramatic image. I think the subject lends itself to this as well. Thanks for your input I appreciate it. This was a back lit picture, hence the extra brightness on the top. I am starting to like this better all the time.
PS for any others don't be shy. I am old school camera club so not easily offended.