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[natek313]

I got this shot today.



EXIF Info:
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel XS
Lens: Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Shutter Speed: 0.3 sec
Aperture: f/9.0
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 100mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off

My main question is on the depth of field. Is it good as it is? Should it be larger or smaller? Also, what do you think about the composition?

Many thanks to your comments and constructive criticism.

[johassler]

I think the composition is nice as it is. The colors really stand out on this one.

[martha36]

I love the composition and the colors. And I think the depth of field is good for a macro, but I'm no expert!

[Linda Fellion]

I think this is really a judgement call and depends on what you were trying to achieve.

Personally, I would like a slightly greater depth of field so that the petals from the front of the picture through the darker petals just beyond the center of the flower are in focus. It also looks to me like the clearest focus is a little to the left of center. The center of the flower looks a little soft to me. It might work better if the center of the flower were very sharp. Perhaps the center is in focus, but is just a little overexposed. Maybe you can increase the contrast just in that area using photo editing software and make the detail in the center of the flower more apparent.

[natek313]

Thanks for the comment, Linda. I'll try and play around with it to see what happens.

And thanks to everyone else for the comments. They are appreciated.

[mapgirl]

Originally Posted by Linda Fellion

I think this is really a judgement call and depends on what you were trying to achieve.

Personally, I would like a slightly greater depth of field so that the petals from the front of the picture through the darker petals just beyond the center of the flower are in focus. It also looks to me like the clearest focus is a little to the left of center. The center of the flower looks a little soft to me. It might work better if the center of the flower were very sharp. Perhaps the center is in focus, but is just a little overexposed. Maybe you can increase the contrast just in that area using photo editing software and make the detail in the center of the flower more apparent.

I agree with Linda Fellion that the focus is a little to the left, but I think that works for the picture. The petals to the left are in focus as well and they pull the eye over. It makes the image more dynamic. I also agree that getting a tiny bit more detail in the center of the flower would be great.

But, overall, I think the shot is beautiful. Very successful.
I've only been using a macro lens for a while and I also struggle with focusing foreground petals. I usually I either have to change the angle or crop to emphasize the sharper elements.