This is another shot from the backyard. These little flowers are a ground cover which cascades over a little brick wall. In full bloom they measure about 25 to 30mm.
7D, 100mm f/2.8 macro, 1/160, f/11, ISO400, 68mm ET, manual, tripod.
About half of the space from bottom has been cropped to move the little bug down a bit. I also removed bits from two oof little bugs. As well I tidied up some specular highlights but left the one on the little fellow.
Nice light on the bug, good sharpness. Not sure about the water drop. Would have been nice if the lower left petal was all in shade but I think nothing you could do about this....
The little bug makes a nice focus point. I understand why you wanted to move the bug down--so it wouldn't be in the center. However, I think the crop is too tight (and I generally like tight crops.) I would add some back to the bottom and, if you can, to the right. This would move the bug far enough to the left so as not to be centered. It would be nice to lighten up the underside of the flower, maybe even the whole image. I think you found a nice angle for this shot.
Hi Dave. Nice detail on your aphid and it adds interest to the image. I'm OK with the comp, as presented, and I agree that more light on the bottom of the flower would be nice - use of a reflector could help with this. I would also suggest toning down the bright area in the UL as it is drawing my eye.