Flower of the Marsh, Canaan Valley, WV

[taykuyphotoart]

I really enjoy this picture, but I feel that something is missing or wrong... any suggestions?

[Saralonde]

Lovely flowers (rhododendren?). The colors are very nice. The focus is a little off though. I can't tell if the focus is on the Green leaf to the left or if it is all a little OOF. If the wind was blowing ever so slightly it could cause a little motion blur or if you were taking this handheld.

[subrataofkris]

Colours
I assume the flowers are the main objects, then the grey/white clouds are a distraction because the blue (a little darker shade) is a perfect contrast for the light pink. Again the dark green leaves can be a good background for the pinks. But blue and green together might be a bit too heavy. If you are technically inclined, you can look at the url
http://photoinf.com/Image_Balance/Mi...hotography.htm

Focus
I would like to see sharper flowers and everything else blurred to the extent possible. The leaves are definitely causing distraction here.

Photographic angle
I would either stoop low to eliminate most of the leaves or stand up come closer to eliminate the sky with clouds.

Light
I find harsh shadows, I assume this photo is taken when the sun is in mid-sky. If so, this is a bad time for photographing flowers. The flowers are related to softness, that effect seems to be missing. You can also try with the morning or evening sunlight behind the petals, the transluscent petals look very beautiful. For this you have to stand facing the sun, but at an angle so that there is no lens flare.

These are my views, just think how you want to create a story and then work technically towards it.

[subrataofkris]

I tried to blur the bg and sharpen the flowers a bit, something still needs to be done to the clouds

[jiminyClickit]

taykuyphotoart,

Let them pass, take another photo? Much less trouble than fixing the clouds here. And a simple uncluttered sky will keep attention on flowers which are beautifully formed.

[taykuyphotoart]

It's amazing how easy it is see ll of the things that you all have pointed out now! I think I was reluctant to let those thoughts through because of the beauty of that little hiking area, so I wanted to capture the BG. Wow... I see it now, thank you all! I also think the main trouble as far as focus has a lot to with that little green leaf in the bottom. I was also holding onto a tree leaning over a bank and taking the shot with one hand, so that probably hurt the focus

[Saralonde]

I often do the same thing, Taykuyphotoart. The memory of the moment clouds my objective view of the image. Sometimes a few pairs of fresh eyes helps us to see better! Worthwhile keeping for the memory though.