Bright and Sunny Daffodil...Maybe Too Bright?

[vcollier2468]

I've been using a point and shoot on auto my whole life. I finally purchased a DSLR recently and I'm still very unsure how to use it. I took this photo while riding around looking for the perfect subject to practice on. I was quite impressed with it until I joined this forum and realized I didn't follow the rule of thirds etc. I'm looking for feedback on the composition and the exposure. It seems a bit bright too me. Is it too bright? Does the flower being dead center take away from the photo?
This is my very first post and I'm still not sure on the posting process so hopefully I'm doing it all right! Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!



Camera Nikon D3000
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture f/9.0
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Did not fire

[Matthias099]

I don't think its too bright. I like the colors on this one.

[flytyer57]

I think the comp is just fine.

I do think the overall picture is a tad too bright. You can adjust the exposure in post. If you have Photoshop or Elements, you can make a new layer and multiply it, then erase out some of the darker image leaving only the main flower bright. There are many options to correcting the exposure in post.

[milosh]

I also think your composition is fine. One of the main guidelines for composition says that you shouldn't place your subjects in dead center of the frame, but it's just a guideline. I also think the brightness is fine. It's a very pleasing photo, nice start with your new camera.

[Nikoner]

The brightness seems to be okay in my opinion. And the colours are very nice!
However I think you should've framed the daffodil according to the rule of thirds. And if I were you, I'd shoot in the largest possible aperture to blur the background even more.

[sk66]

Nothing wrong with brightness/coors/or central positioning here. I *think* I might have chosen to go wider/closer. I would have used f/8 for maximum sharpness or f/11 (or hyper focal setting if wider) for maximum DOF.

I think you should have waited for the cloud to pass from behind (or if it's a building find another angle/flower). And I probably would have tried to get a lower angle to set the flower more against the sky and move the horizon line down some.....I'm not above a little stem bending to get the composition I want.

[giannisna]

Very nice pic! In my opinion brightness is ok and composition too. Sometimes you have to break the rules! I also like the blurred background! Good luck with your new camera !
Cheers

[vcollier2468]

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I do think the cloud behind the flower is a little distracting. I will have to go back next spring and try out everyone's suggestions!