Two is better than one?

[gjakovare]

I think this is one of my best shots (sadly?)
I have been reading a lot and trying to understand as much as I can about photography, and I did try to take this shot keeping in mind a lot of what I read. My concern is that it may be too dead center. What do you guys think? Does it work? How else could I have taken it?

I shot in RAW, desaturated it, and added some clarity in photoshop.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 170 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[AndrewPDX]

There are some great tips from DPS on ways to take a color picture and turn it into a B&W pic: How to Convert Color Digital Images into Black and White Ones

I don't have much input, but I like how the tulip petals really stand out. I'd like to see if you can make it pop a bit more by using a different method to get the B&W look.

[gjakovare]

Ok... I gave it a go; Is this more of what you were suggesting or did I completely miss the mark?

I used the channel mixer method from the link you provided. Thanks

[untitled99]

i prefer the original better... the softer gray feels more romantic to match the flowers.

as for it being too centered-- i don't think so. the main focus of the flower isn't centered and the stem draws your eye down to the unsymmetric tulip in the background, which is really nice and makes for an off-balanced feel that "works" for me.