CC on Macro shot

[Mayavi]

Hello members,

Ever since I bought my 350D and enrolled here, I learned a lot from forum members.
I have a Sigma 70-300 with Macro which I never used but after seeing some macro shots on this forum, I decided to use it and here is the result. This is a flower of some desert weed like plant in our backyard and is very small. I took several shots but only managed to get one in perfect focus. I did some post processing on it, but not much. I liked the end result except for the distraction in the background which was not completely blurred. Please let me know what you think.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1044/942636942_3470c8a46f.jpg?v=0

[AirBrontosaurus]

Hi there.

First off, EXIF data will make this easier. But, from what I see, you've got a great image going there.

The composition is very pleasing. I like the use of blank space around the right edge, and you have a great crop on the flower (didn't cut off any petals).

I can't exactly tell on a picture this small, but from here sharpness looks good. You have good DOF control, and the colors are nice too.

That reddish thing to the right of the highest petal is a little distracting, so I'd clone that out. Also, the picture looks a little "warm," (although I understand if that's the effect you were going for). Cooling the colors off a little bit would improve it (IMHO).

The Sigma is a great lens, and the one I learned macro on. If you really like macro, I recommend you get a set of extension tubes for the lens. It lets you go to 1:1 (true macro) reproduction.

All in all, I'd say you have a great shot!

[howzitboy]

pretty picture, background i dont like because it doesnt make the flower seperate from the background very well.

[Cathpah]

pretty picture, background i dont like because it doesnt make the flower seperate from the background very well.

yup, background doesnt seem to separate itself from the subject as much as it should. maybe try again using either a blue or black background?

[Mayavi]

Thanks for the comments guy.

Yes, a different background can bring out the flower more but the only options I had was the plant itself (the current green background) or gravel which was brown and worse than the current. May be I can try with sky as background once the skies clear up. Thanks for your suggesetions.