Makin honey

[kstiltne]

I've recently begun to love macro photography. It gets you into a world that you don't normally get to be a part of, though it can be quite difficult to get the right shot. I sat with this flower in focus for about 10 minutes before this guy finally made his way over. Looking for critique on choice of composition, and to be a bit more vague...anything.



EXIF:
Nikon D50
Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 micro lens
1/400s
f/4...(guessing...manual lens so aperture not recorded)
ISO 200
natural light only

[bldhndzgng]

Overall, I really like this photo, it is very nice. My few critiques would be that the flower petals are a bit dirty, and the shot somewhat lacks brightness/exposure for my taste. Truthfully those critiques are extremely minor and I would be lying if I said I am jealous of that shot. Good job!!

[kstiltne]

Thanks for the input. I agree that it's probably a little dark, but I tend to like darker images...though I was considering submitting this to a contest so I may have to lighten it a bit. As for the dirty flower...oops...one of those details that you don't notice in your own work until someone else points it out.

[Stryker]

Excellent work, kstiltne. I'd be proud to have taken this shot. Yes, as bldhndzgng mentioned, it is a bit dull but that is probably the only thing to detract. Actually, this is one of the few macro shots that look better in its full size. TFS.

[kstiltne]

Thanks Stryker, I was actually gonna ask that it be viewed in full size...but didn't want to sound like I was trying to solicit hits on my flickr site. I think I might try to make a little levels adjustment when I get home and see if I can make it a little more appealing. The competition was held between 11am and 4pm...and no lighting equipment was allowed, so conditions were less than ideal for sure. I'll play a bit and repost in a few hours.

[kstiltne]

Played with the levels a bit to eliminate the flatness, and unfortunately had to add the black borders as it has to be submitted as an 8x10 print and I didn't want it to be distorted into size. Better?



Thanks for the input guys...full size can be seen in my photostream...link below (shameless plug for views)