Raindrop

[JemC]

Hi,
My first post and my first picture with my new Nikon D50,
C+C is welcome on all my pictures as i am still in the early learning stages of photography.
Thanks

[Donald]

James

Congratulations on the new camera and congratulations, too, on posting your first image on CiC.

If this is what you produce whilst in the early stages of learning, then I can't wait to see what you produce when you know what you're doing! That's a mighty fine first post onto the forum. You've nailed both the focus and the exposure.

In terms of composition, a couple of comments for you to consider:

• Because we have the left hand flower-head falling out of the frame at the left and because you have a strong main subject in that other flower head, I wonder if we need that one on the left at all? How do you think it would look if you were to crop the image just to the right of the right-most part of the head? That would give you close to a 5:4 ratio and maybe focus our attention even more strongly onto the main subject.
• The top-most part of the flower head on the right is just about touching the top of the frame. I wonder if giving just a little more space at the top would have made it feel a bit less 'cramped'?

Just something to think about.

[JemC]

Thanks for the positive feedback Donald,
I see what you mean about the cropping, it does make you focus on just the main subject,

[FrankMi]

Hi James, the cropped version looks great. Normally I would think that the bright red in the background would be a distraction but as it is reflected beautifully in the water drop it complements the image. Very nice!

[epmi314]

The edit is much better. I would only say there is a little touch on the top that is blown out light wise that could be toned down a tick in post processing. Nonetheless, if this is your first shot then give yourself a huge pat on the back!

[JemC]

Hi Scott
I see the bit you are talking about, but to be honest i have no knowledge of editing software and would not no where to start,
Thanks for the comments though.

[Pandrion]

Great shot and great first post James. Keep 'em coming.

Your second version, following Donald's suggestion, transforms the picture.
However, if the second pod had been fully within frame and a little more space at the top, I think you'd have had an interesting repeat pattern and an altogether different and valid alternative.

[Bobobird]

Nice shot.

[GeorgeM]

Awfully nice. Agree with the second version being nicer. The original is still very good, however.