Ball of flowers

[Audiggy]

This is my first macro post, I am very new to photography and was hoping for pointers on composition and clarity for this shot. I used Elements 8 to edit and added a dark green vignettte to mute out details on the edges.

I used the 18-55 Nikon kit lens at 35mm, ISO 200, f/5.

[RonCar10]

Audiggy,

Welcome to DPS. Nice photo, I like the colors and you have good focus. I think you might try a tighter crop, the red in the background is competing with the main subject. You were correct in using a wider aperture, if the lens can go wider, try it. That will give you an even better bokeh.

I try to isolate my main point of interest from any background objects sharing the same color (not aleays an easy thing to do). This makes the main subject stand out and draw the viewers attention. Also, try to get away from the "bullseye" approach of centering you subject. Not that it doesn't work sometimes, but more often than not, you will create more interest by not centering the main subject.

Hope this helps. Hope to see more of your photos.

Ron

[Audiggy]

Ron,

Thanks for the tips, I will definetly go back to the editor on this one. I usually follow the rule of thirds but thought I'd show the other flowers in the background. I see what you mean about isolating though. I will also go with a larger aperature from now on. I have noticed many people use 55mm instead of 35mm or less. Does this effect the background results as well?

[RonCar10]

The length of the lens can matter in crteating bokeh. Typically a lens designed specifically for macro does better, although getting close to a subject with a wide aperture will provide better bokeh with most lenses. Keep experimenting.