First Request for Critique

[LindaKnox]

This shot of a dandelion bud is a little boring. But I would like to have your opinions on my settings and the lighting. I am very new to photography and this is a new lense.

My settings for the photo are:
Canon EOS 20D
Shooting Mode - Program AE
Tv(Shutter Speed) - 1/160
Av(Aperture Value) - 4.0
Metering Mode - Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation - 0
ISO Speed - 100
Lens - 100.0 mm
Focal Length - 100.0 mm

Thanks for your help.

[mapgirl]

Hi Linda. I don't think dandelions are boring at all, and I find all kinds of bud photos interesting. So I love your choice of subject and I think all those shades of green work beautifully together. In terms of composition, you might think about moving the buds off to the side a bit so as not to dead-center the subject; you can read a lot about the "rule of thirds" here which will help.
I think the lighting is fine though I wouldn't mind seeing the colors a little more saturated.
One thing you didn't ask about is depth of field. I presume your lens is the 100 mm macro. 4.0 is a little shallow and a shutter speed of 160 is probably a little faster than you need. Were you hand-holding it? A lot of people here will tell you that macros benefit a lot from using a tripod. Then you can shoot slower and get more DOF. Personally, I'd like to see a sharper focus on more of the larger bud.

But, on the whole, very nice work! And welcome to the Critique section.

[LindaKnox]

Thanks so much for your comments. I was beginning to think the photo wasn't good enough to critique. Your thoughts are very helpful. I do have the 100 mm lense. I was hand-holding rather than using my tripod. I was just strolling around the back yard (I live in the country) snapping whatever looked interesting. The bud is still there, so I'll go out this afternoon and try again with your suggestions. Again, thanks very much.

[mapgirl]

My pleasure. It IS a good shot, but I'd love to see your new ones too. And you photo is definitely good enough for critique. Sometimes it takes a long time for people to say anything or they aren't sure what to say. You can't really judge the quality of your shot by how many (if any) comments you get. It just also depends on who's on-line and feels like saying something.

I have a 60 mm macro which is a little easier (because it's smaller and lighter) to hand-hold but at the urging of people here I've been using my tripod more and getting better shots. Frankly I'd prefer to do what you did and just walk around taking whatever looks interesting, but macros have such a shallow DOF that they'll pick up the slightest movement.

[LindaKnox]

The lense is a little heavy. It has that IS (image stabilizer) function. I've found that really helps when you don't want to mess with the tripod. Much better than my 50mm kit lense. Also, my tripod is full size. I want to get a small one so that I can get down on the ground - up close and personal - with the fleurs and critters. I may start taking a yoga mat with me so I can lie on the ground. When I get the redo shots done, I'll post them. Looking forward to your comments. I posted a rose picture in this section earlier today and would welcome your suggestions on that one too. Thanks so much!