I took this image with a Canon D20, 100-400 IS zoom, handheld. 1/800 sec. f/8, ISO 200, -1/3 exposure compensation. Not your typical setup for a close-up, but it was more of an impulsive shot while hiking at Chatauqua Park in Boulder, CO.
Beautiful, sharp image. The thumbnail immediately caught my attention. I just wonder if some fill-in flash would have helped remove some shadows caused due to harsh light ...
I am thinking I would have preferred to see the in focus flower only. In these cases I will gently move the background around to give me the BG that I want.
Very nice grab shot here Kathy.. I know that area well, I lived in your area for 23 years.. I for one like OOF similar subjects in the BG. Very seldom does it work with a OOF similar subject in the FG though. It seems to give a sense of depth and environment. Images like that have also been very successful in the editorial markets for me. My biggest nit for this image is the flower is not a prime specimen. The one in the BG is much healthier looking.