Beginner Digital Photographer...my first critique

[MYFLASH]

I have always had a passion for photography, but until last year I was just taking pictures for fun and family. I am trying out all types of photography, landscapes, events, portraits, wildlife and nature. Not sure where I want to concentrate on just yet. Anyway, please look at the attached photo of a black tulip from my garden. I have a Canon Rebel T1i and took this during the day with high sun using a filler flash. There are no adjustments on this shot, but can you tell me how this could be better, e.g. lighting, composition, focus etc. Any critique and help would be welcome. Thank you.

Model: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/100 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
Flash Used: Yes

From April flowers

[RonCar10]

Great flower and the f5.6 created very good bokeh, but the soft focus on the edges would be better in more diffused lighting. The lighting is harsh - it is a real challenge taking flowers in bright sunlight. The center of the flower is pretty blown out. I also would have tried for a tighter focus or used a smaller aperture to gain greater DOF.

Hope this helps and hope to see more of your work,

Ron

[jpitz31]

Yes, Ron is correct. Look at the edges of the petals in the center of the flower. Each end of the petals are out of focus. Adjust your aperture for a slightly better DOF. Use your DOF button on the camera to view the DOF before shooting the image.

Also put some diffusion material over your flash to soften the harshness of the light. Get the flash off of the camera. Use some fill cards to shape the light. Learn how to shape 3 dimensional images with light and shadow.

Good start.

Thanks

Joe