Return of the Cactus

[geotography]

Several days ago, I posted a b/w image of a part of this cactus with selective coloring. Helpful reviewers said: need some sky and color. So, I have brought back the original image for review. I think, generally speaking, cactus is an odd plant life; but is this interesting to look at and if not what could be done to ehnance the presentation?

You know, one thing just came to me about what I do not like here; and that is everything in the background. I am so tempted to take a large black card and photograph this against that simple background. It would be just the cactus against black. I will think about that.

[prrs4me]

Possibly a tighter crop so there would be more detail of the cactus and flowers. You would then see a little of the background but it would not be as overpowering. I would like to see just the part against the sky in a crop.

[Sporkman]

I call it "The Desert Tango".

[FrankenPengie]

This is a rather interesting cactus but it's a little much for me to take in. Even so it's not all there. I'm left wanting to lean in for a sniff of a blossom, or step back so I can see the rest of it.

Edit:Just consider it edited.

[jiminyClickit]

Sporkman,

Extra credit for creativity.

geotography,

Consider the sample of a plant:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/...4686a92676.jpg

Enough plant to show type, color growth stage; not too much to lose closeup detail, and avoids unnecessary background.

Or, move to the left, shoot very close to the end of an "arm" showing a perspective starting with thorns, leading to blooms.

[geotography]

jiminyClickit,

Very nice specimen photo...so sharp I thought the spikes were going to puncture my monitor screen. Thank you for sharing the photo and the creative tips.

[adityadigaddi]

I think that the picture lacks a bit of sharpness and details.
Maybe you can use the Unsharp Mask and than use layer masks to highlight only the cactus. You can also consider getting a tighter vertical crop; this way you can see more and not be distracted by the sky.
Sky and clouds are good in such snaps, but they should never get bigger than the subject.
Cheers