Monarda

[Anita Bower]

Too bright?

Nikon D300, Sigma 105mm macro, f3.3 (relative), 1/125, ISO 500, tripod, manual focus and exposure, outdoors, evening. PP: PS7 & Elements 7, basic adj., used some color filters, Denoise, green vignette.

[Julie Kenward]

This is a very cool looking plant, Anita! I am left feeling like the repeating pattern and other items in the BG are a bit overwhelming, though. I think if there were just the yellow or only the repeating blossom in the BG I'd really like this even more. As is, it feels a bit busy to me.

[Allen Sparks]

Very interesting plant and the flower is well captured. Like Julie, I feel the BG competes too much with the subject.

[Anita Bower]

Yes, you are right, Jules and Allen. Thanks so much!!

[Dave Mills]

Hi Anita, The monarda can be a challenging flower to shoot. I agree with comments above that the backround is a bit busy and bright for my taste. I like the diagonal stem but feel more DOF would of helped if there wasn't so much material in the backround...

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Anita,
I agree with the above advice but I found your first instict/question very intriguing.....perhaps darkening this greatly.....except the center darker area.....might minimize the BG and yet show off the flower and all the intricate petals.