Buds on Balcony

[kidrow]

Hi all,

I just bought my very first digicam - a Panasonic LZ8 - a few weeks back. I haven't really taken photography seriously until now. So I'm still learning the basics. Though I'm a bit apprehensive about posting, I figure this is probably the best way of improving. So here goes-



Filename: budsonbalconypp.jpg
Size: 565Kb
Resolution: 3264 x 1788
Camera used: Panasonic DMC-LZ8
Orientation: Horizontal (normal)
Focal length: 5.2 mm (35 mm equivalent: 35.0 mm)
Aperture: f/3.3
Date/Time: 2010-06-13 14:30:29
Exposure time: 1/10
Lens F-Number: f/3.3
ISO: 100
Whitebalance: Manual
Metering mode: Multi-segment
Exposure: Aperture-priority AE
Jpeg Quality: JPEG (old-style)

The original non-PPed version is here-

Imageshack - budsonbalcony.jpg - Uploaded by kidrow

Are there any rules of thumb one should keep in mind while photographing such blurred foreground elements, such as what size they should be, or the position etc.?

I've seen examples on the net where the author/poster uses it to illustrate good composition [i.e. adding to the depth]. To me however, they have always looked distracting. So what I'm basically saying is that I struggle to gauge how much is enough [to add depth but not distract]. Guess it'll only come after taking loads of pics with such elements.

All & any C&C is welcome. Thanks!

PS: Hope I've managed to abide by the rules of the forum. Apologies if I've erred.
Also not sure if this is exactly macro, but decided to post here as it's similar.

[Annwen]

Welcome to DPS - you have come to the right place to learn.

I think the front buds should be in focus, as it looks to be the largest and is overhanging the table/bench which would provide different contrast, with the back one blurring into the background.
Take heaps of shots from all different angles, see what looks good, you can always delete

Cheers
Annwen

[NgaiHill]

Welcome to the DPS - I've learnt more in 6 months here than in 3 years at my local camera club!
I agree with Annwen, I think the front buds would've been better to have been in focus. Like the angle though and the colours are good. Keeping taking photos - you'll never stop learning!