For you to consider and critique (Page 2): Thanks for the download! this is an excellent example of the wisdom of using a small odd number of equivalent compositional elements/...

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Thanks for the download!
this is an excellent example of the wisdom of using a small odd number of equivalent compositional elements/ subjects...hard to come up with @n unsuitable arrangement, Here they are the best-focused elements, clearly separated from the deeper, O.O.F. background elements!

How close a c4op to use?
Opinions will differ.

IMO your original crop is more effective and impactful than is the tighter crop. There is more “khóros / khóra( Greek for “space for existence” that envelops and senates the things in our field of view) for the subjects that helps bring them closer to the viewer and more unequivocally brought forward out of the O.O.F. background.

Good job!

Dave

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

luvmypets wrote:

I have often offered my opinions on photos in this... (show quote)

I like it a lot. Great color and a background that is not obtrusive. If I were going to nit pick, I might say that more separation between the flower on the left and the one in the middle might improve the composition. Having said that, I really like your choice of three flowers. Something about odd numbers that seems to work better than even numbers. Well done.
Erich

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

CHG_CANON wrote:

Looks good. I like the strong focus on one specific blossom. Have you considered maybe a 1:1 square crop, same position of the flowers, with just a bit of space trimmed off the top and bottom. Maybe 4:3 or 5:4 with the same idea of a bit off the top and bottom. Glad to help. Have fun and stay safe!

I did just a little cropping and will go back and try your suggestions. I really appreciate all the help and have made lots of notes to try everyone's ideas and am looking forward to the outcome. I will be going back to the neighbors to photograph more of her flowers. There will be more questions and requests for assistance as I delve into this genre.

Thank you, again and please take care!!

Dodie

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Uuglypher wrote:

Thanks for the download! br this is an excellent e... (show quote)

Dave,

Thank you so much for your insight. Composition is the first thing I analyze in others photos and am a fan of the foreground, middle ground background. Close up photography is not my usual subject but since several things have happened (retirement and Covid-19) I am opening up to other types of photography. It has been many, many years since I've done close ups and have forgotten most of the elements needed to bring out the best but thanks to everyone on this forum I have not only been reminded of these elements but been given new ideas to work with not only with the camera but also with the post processing.

Dodie

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

ebrunner wrote:

I like it a lot. Great color and a background that is not obtrusive. If I were going to nit pick, I might say that more separation between the flower on the left and the one in the middle might improve the composition. Having said that, I really like your choice of three flowers. Something about odd numbers that seems to work better than even numbers. Well done.
Erich

Thank you so much, Erich!!! I will be experimenting using everyones suggestions and ideas to see what works best.

Take care!!

Dodie