Learning to appreciate the beauty of the flower

[Calnumismatist]

As my photographic interests have changed, I am beginning to really appreciate the beauty of the flower. As I am best at macro shots, capturing them up close is helping with the transition to other forms of photography.

http://Calnumismatist.smugmug.com/photos/316234959_7qBkj-M.jpg

http://Calnumismatist.smugmug.com/photos/319974682_ZALtz-M.jpg

http://Calnumismatist.smugmug.com/photos/319974742_rcrXH-M.jpg

http://Calnumismatist.smugmug.com/photos/319974857_BYQnD-M.jpg

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Edit: Please read our FAQ. We're only allowed three images per thread. Thanks, Bruce P.

[brucep]

Very pretty flowers. Direct sunlight is a difficult light source to work with. You might reduce the intensity of your flash fill. My preference is to have a subject that's not centered, but that's just a matter of personal taste.

Your shallow depth of field makes your flowers stand out from their backgrounds nicely.

[Calnumismatist]

Sorry about that.. I am still learning to photograph outside of the shallow macro settings. I am just used to centering all of my pics, and the learning curve will take some time. I have found that once I get the technique, it is easier to adjust the little things like centering, leveling, and concept.
I have read so many good posts here, and I really appreciate the advice given.

[TonyBB]

Speaking of the beauty of flowers here's one of my favourite quotes:

"Art is the unceasing effort to compete with the beauty of flowers - and never succeeding."
Marc Chagall, Russian-born French painter

I generally follow the advice to shoot flowers in bright overcast conditions rather than direct sunlight, and have found my shots are better for it. Where I do shoot in direct sunlight it's generally to use the light for an effect - say the shadows seen through a petal. Having said that your shots are good and the bright parts have been controlled well.

Regards, Tony