B&W/Monochrome images - Critique please

[rraman]

A couple of shots from weekend. Would appreciate feedback on composition, B&W conversion or any other aspects of the photographs.


#1
http://www.thezenart.com/img/v7/p189700424-3.jpg


#2
http://www.thezenart.com/img/v7/p63895941-3.jpg


Thanks for looking :)

[Robert_Lay]

The second picture looks to me like it has a lot of burned out highlights. Otherwise, they are quite nice.

[rraman]

Thanks Bob for comments!

[chopper5654]

not too bad for tonality, imo.

however, look at number one. how shallow is your DOF? i see, literally, a ring of sharp focus and the rest is blurred. with the front oof, the middle in focus, then the back (where petals originate from) oof again, it's kind of distracting to me. it leads my eye/mind to search for what is in focus and what is not, and why; therefore, taking my mind away from enjoying such a beautiful subject.

[dkord]

I like #2, I like my blacks a little deeper though.

[checkgio]

I think the composition is excellent, but the first one is lacking in contrast.