Flower Power?

[florme]

My first picture of a flower, I just got a Canon 550D and used the lens 18-135. It's not the ideal lens for macro shots but I'm only 13 so I'm saving up for one. I just want to know if this is a good shot and what I could do to improve it. I'm just starting out at photography so pleas don't be too harsh but I would appreciate your comments.
Here's the link:
IMG_1309 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Doug Sundseth]

Critique board rules request that you add Exif information when posting a photo for critique. Among other places, you can get them on Flickr by choosing Actions > View Exif Info from the photo's page.

Since you're new here, I've added the useful information for this photo:

Camera Canon EOS 550D
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
ISO Speed 125
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Exposure Mode Auto
White Balance Auto
Scene Capture Type Standard
Focus Mode Manual Focus (3)

(You're also more likely to get comments if you attach the photo rather than providing a link to another site.)

Your depth of field works pretty well with this shot. Wide open at the longest focal length gives a very narrow depth of field, which helps to isolate the subject in a shot like this.

Your focus was good. (Manual is often a good idea with tight closeups that have a very narrow depth of field.)

The subject blossom was nicely symmetrical, though there are a few discolorations in the petals of the flower. (Macro shows every flaw. Subject choice is quite important.

Composition is fairly good. In general, you want to move the most important part of the subject, here the center of the flower, off of the center point of the photo. This is less important when the subject fills nearly the whole frame, though, so it's not a major flaw. I'd like to see the full flower, three full edges of the flower (if you frame high or low), or two full adjacent edges if you frame to grab a "corner". Any of these give a more intentional feel to a flower shot.

Lighting and exposure are quite nice, and the contrast between the dark green of the leaves and the well-exposed pink of the flower works quite well.

Overall, it's a very nice effort. I hope to see more of your work in the future.

[florme]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your comments.