Wilted

[souledout]

I shot this a few weeks ago, of a flower in my backyard that died. I guess I was going for a sad image? Critique on composition and just the image in general would be great.



Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 34 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[ncbcymtechie]

I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the floor is very, very blown out. ... I'm also noticing that the dirt feels very dark and detail-less, which could indicate a quick curves adjustment in Photoshop. I may very well be wrong.

That being said, the floor seems to be a bigger problem than the dirt. The white is completely overpowering the portion of the flower hanging over it. It does help draw my attention to the very same part of the flower hanging out, but it's—I don't know, drowning out the edges of the flower. Does that make sense? (Because I might not be.)

Last note: If you were to ask me, all that white does not convey sad.

If you reply (and you want them) I'll try and offer some more solution-oriented pointers if I can. In the meantime, anybody want to give a go at this?

[fortunato_uno]

try shooting from a different angle. you'll be surprised at what you get. the differant perspective is what will often make people look twice. (and yea that some times means when they see you take the shot).
i've added a shot where i layed on the ground to get the shot..i think it will get my point across.

[freezeframe03]

I agree with fortunato for a different perspective. From the side and down at pot level would help convey that the flower is dying. Keeping your camera settings the same may also produce an interesting background as well, providing there is other foliage or something other than a plain wall in the background.