What’s Your Preference?

diminutives · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 12:27 AM

Hello Everyone! I am a newbie photographer reading and practicing ALOT! I find that I LOVE macro and flowers and when I put the two of them together... well, it is heaven for me!

I recently took this photo of a seeded dandelion head. I am fairly happy with the color... but I was hoping to get some input as to my composition and depth of field. I find depth of field a tough thing to master... especially when using a macro lense (canon efs 60mm). I was trying to follow the rule of thirds, but don't know if the blurriness of the tips of the "fuzzies" are a distraction from the base of the seed - which is what I am hoping is the first thing to be seen when the image is looked at.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XSi / Canon EFS 60mm Macro Lense

Thank you for taking the time to look! I greatly appreciate any of your input!

CJWilkes · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 01:55 AM

I like it - but then I would like it more if the focus was not the center of the plant.

ctcook · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:01 PM

I like that you were going for something different and focused on the seeds and not the "fluffies" like most photographers would have done. For me the distracting thing is that one of the "fluffies" that is out of focus is directly over the focal point, and therfore rendering the focal point kind of out of focus (hope that makes sense). Not sure how that could be corrected though. Not sure but it looks like you used your flash, I wonder if using the natural light would add more depth to the shot?

Overall I'm pleased with the composition, good work!

Bluenoser · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 09:25 PM

What was your Exif data? That would really help, especially with DOF.

diminutives · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:41 PM

Hello! Thank you all for your comments. My EXIF data is as follows:
Exposure: 1/60
Aperture: F/4.0
ISO: 400
Focal length: 60 mm
Flash: Fired

diminutives · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:45 PM

Thank you... yes, I was going for the seeds. I really liked their "texture". But, that's me... I'll take the unexpected anytime! Although, I do appreciate all points of view. I see what you mean about the blurred "fuzzy". You are probably right, without the flash, I am sure it would have been much softer. Will try that next season! Thank you again!

Tyler · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 03:11 AM

I think it works great - I like how you focused on the pods and I don't mind the out-of-focus bit over the focal point. There's still enough around it that is in focus - great shot!

diminutives · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 12:06 AM

Thank you! I really appreciate your input! I do like this shot... however, not knowing exactly what I am doing yet, sometimes I am not sure if I am headed in the right direction!