dahlia bud composition

[mapgirl]

I can't decide which composition is more effective. #1 is dead center, which weakens the composition (I think), but I like the way the other flower is out of focus and seen from the back and how the leaves at the base of the flower pull to the right, which "might" make up for the center focus. #2 is off-center, which I prefer, but doesn't have the other elements. It's turned a little more to the camera which makes the center of the flower look a little like an alien eye (to me). Opinions? Suggestions?

#1


#2


Camera: Canon Rebel XTi
#1
Focal length: 68mm
ISO: 400
Shutter: 1/125 sec
F-stop: f/7.10

#2 all the same except
F-stop: f/6.30

[windrider86]

I'm all for the second one. I like being able to see more of the center of the flower. With just a hair cropped off the one side (it's just too much space) I think it would be prefect

[johassler]

I prefer the second one as well. The flower is angled very nicely for seeing all the detail of the bloom itself. Nice work!

[mapgirl]

Thank you both for your comments. I do like seeing the center of the flower. I don't think I realized how much it added.

[sbunting108]

Another vote for the second one from me. Thanks for sharing.

[Beatriz Rodriguez]

i prefer the first one too. the same reason: the center of the flower. but if you like the first try crop her in the left.see the rule of third, maby can help to see where crop.

[elle s'ennuie]

I'm a little late to reply here, but since I have a different preference to what has been posted so far, I thought I'd add it to the mix anyway. I like the first one more (well I like both, but if I have to choose...), the second picture just seems a bit static. And even though the flower is right in the middle, the out-of-focus flower in the background helps balance it, IMO. And also the tiny water droplet on the stem is slightly more noticeable. The second picture, the detail of the flower is great (I agree that it's good seeing the centre of the flower, but I still prefer the detail created by the sharpness of the petals in the first picture), but a tad too much "empty" space to the left.

[mapgirl]

Originally Posted by elle s'ennuie

I'm a little late to reply here, but since I have a different preference to what has been posted so far, I thought I'd add it to the mix anyway. I like the first one more (well I like both, but if I have to choose...), the second picture just seems a bit static. And even though the flower is right in the middle, the out-of-focus flower in the background helps balance it, IMO. And also the tiny water droplet on the stem is slightly more noticeable. The second picture, the detail of the flower is great (I agree that it's good seeing the centre of the flower, but I still prefer the detail created by the sharpness of the petals in the first picture), but a tad too much "empty" space to the left.

Thank you! Your comments are very helpful.