rone Loc: Ohio

I have been taking point & shoot photos with a Cannon Power Shot A540 for years. I have a Nikon D60 35mm with a Promaster 28-200mm lens for film work.
I bought a Fuji FinePix S602Zoom at a grage sale for $5. I think it was too much for the lady that had it. Put some batteries in it & it takes great photo's.
I am using GIMP2 & FastStone for editing.
Any help, criticism & guidance would be appreciated

Sunflower


Sunflower2

notnoBuddha

Interesting selection of subject - unique shapes, lines and colors. I like them. My first impression- my eyes were drawn away by the backgrounds. I would suggest closer so the main subject to fill more of the frame and / or lose the background completely by ether a plain backing such as a black material screen or board fence. Either way you may want to blur or lose the focus of everything except the subject. These suggestions are from my - what in the heck do I know department. And yes - I did a terrible job with the focus on the first picture below. Welcome aboard.

rone Loc: Ohio

I saw these flowers that my wife had set out on the deck. They were taken in direct sunlight. I was playing with the F stop setting trying to blur the background. My wife said that I should use live flowers next time.
I will edit them & see if I can improve them. I will also change the time of day for different light.
Thanks for the help.