Blue Flag Iris

[Claudia5573]

This image was shot with a Canon Rebel T2i, Sigma 150mm macro lens
exposure: 3.20 seconds
AVmode, f/22
ISO 100
It is unedited.

Being new to photography (this winter) I am trying to find "my style." I took this image at 4 different aperture settings, from f/2.8 up this at f/22. I have several questions regarding this picture. Is the small aperture preferred when the subject has depth? Does the pollen distract from the overall image and should I have brushed it off? Does the composition work? I really don't know what I'm doing (except getting eaten up by black flies!)
All input good or bad is welcome.
Thank you for looking.
Claudia

[cemerick]

I like this picture. The pollen is part of nature and I think should be left on the flower. My opinion for what it is worth.

[Doug Sundseth]

I think for this image, I strongly prefer the deep DoF you've chosen. Framing the picture this way turns the flower almost into an abstract, and I don't think you would be well served to try to focus the attention of the viewer on a single part of the image.

I think that the pollen does detract a bit, mostly because this is so abstract, but it's only a minor issue for me. (I probably wouldn't have removed it, for fear of damaging the petals.)

That said, I really like this image. The composition is compelling and the details mostly increase the interest of of the shot. Thank you for sharing.

[Claudia5573]

Thank you both for your comments and taking the time to do so.
I agree that I find the pollen a bit of a distraction but to honest I was not aware that it was there until I viewed the image on my computer.
Thanks again.

[Jo.T]

this is a stunning image.
Have you thought about flipping it? We always look at a pic from the bottom left to the top right, if you flip it the bottom petal will give you a wonderful leading line into the pic and the vertical petal currently on the left will stop your exit from the photo.
Give it a go and see what you think.

[Claudia5573]

Interesting, I never realized that we view pictures in a directional manner until you pointed that out. I flipped the image and it does seem to keep you "in" the picture. Thanks.

[winegeek]

IMHO, I think that it's a gorgeous shot, and I must agree with the others on the DoF. As for the pollen, I also agree with Doug that, for fear of doing damage, it was best not to remove it. Besides, it's easy enough to clone it out in PS later if you really want to.