Yellow Flower

[Chuck1961]

Please critique gently, it's my first time. Please let me know if I have breeched any forum etiquette.

I'd like to know your thoughts on composition and exposure and suggestions for post processing. I am new to Photoshop Elements. I was thinking of darkening the too-bright yellow petal and somehow getting rid of the stalk on the left and the leaves at the bottom left? Cropping suggestions.

Thanks and I've been learning a lot in the short time that I've been lurking.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel
Exposure: 0.2 sec (1/5)
Aperture: f/20.0
Focal Length: 52 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

Contrast: +1
Saturation: +1
Sharpness: 1

[Wombat]

Wow - mate..

First of all.. you have lots of data about the picture you have taken (over kill), but please read the section of the forum on how to submit photos.
It is hard to see your shot - it is very small.
Sorry Mate

[Wombat]

Nice work.

Question ? Any reason for using f/20 ? Unless you are really need to shot the background in focus, than yes, use f/20.

Try some more shots using different DOF, f/2.8 maybe or even f/2 if you can. This can produce nice background.
Selective focus can and will be very nice sometimes when shooting flowers.

I have to admit that sometimes when i shoot, i take up to 10 - 15 shots of the subject and take time to decide which one is the one i would love to keep. I look at them, maybe delete one, come back later on look at them again, wipe another, and finally there will be just one shot which will bring my attention. And this will be your standing out picture.

Try it. You may like

[Chuck1961]

I took about 10 different shots, varying DOF. I agree with you about blurring the background. What I liked about this shot was the sharpness of the farthest petals. f/5.6 was as shallow as I got and I did not like that image as much. I'll look at them again in a few days.

It's in my yard so I'll just try again.

[Wombat]

Looks like shopping coming out for you for a 50mm f/1.4 lens ?

You will notice the different

[Phantom2k4]

I like this shot. They only thing i'd do is, as you mentioned, darken the bright yellow petal at the bottom. I think the higher aperture works good in this shot.

[Chuck1961]

Phantom, thanks.