Composition & sunlight question

[sheldonc]

Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.022 sec (1/45)
Aperture: f/5.3
Focal Length: 80 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

Not sure about the composition so advice on that would be great - did I get the depth of field right? Most importantly how should I have dealt with the bright sunlit areas - are they too blown - should I have used a filter or is it a job for post processing?

Thanks for your comments - Would link this to the other pictures I took yesterday on flickr but not sure how to do that

Thanks

Sheldon

[Alexander]

Pretty flower. I generally try to avoid direct sunlight and then use a flash to fill in. With direct sunlight, the sun would almost need to be shining straight into the flower or you will end up with either highlights or dark shadows, depending on the exposure. As for corrections with post processing, you can probably make some improvements.

For composition, I like to see flowers with more of the stalk and some of the leaves visible (unless you're going for just a weird macro of the inside of the flower.) You should be able to get some nice flower shots with your equipment.