Is this a blah shot? Or is it ok? Rhododendron

[AprilArchambeau]

I was bored today and took some pictures. I am still trying to get the settings right, but I really love these pics.....

One picture is really sharp, I was trying to do something different but did not succeed, I still kinda like it :)

This is my favorite
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3861-1.jpg

I was trying to make this rose in focus and everything else out of focus, that didn't work very well...

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3874-1.jpg

This is the sharpened picture
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3858-1.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3837-1.jpg

[radloser]

Here's my critiques for you...
#1 I like the color and sharpness, but remember your rule of thirds. I may have even gone macro here. Also the lens flare or whatever it is in the upper right and lower left, very distracting
#2 I would've filed the frame with the rose and also, watch your background.
#3 I like the sharpness in this one too, but again the lens flare thing is no good. I'd also crop out some of the green stuff on the right.
#4 Two things here. Check your focus before hitting the shutter and use an umbrella. The harsh lighting kills it.

Hope this helped

[Gibbo]

You have bricks and a window in number 2. Try not to include these 'un-natural' things when shooting 'natural' subject (also applies to wildlife and natural landscapes).

[AprilArchambeau]

Ah ok, thanks for the replies, I appreciate it alot! As I said, I am new, so I have no clue what macro means. I would like to get an external flash, a good tripod, and a 55-250 soon :). Any suggestions on a good tripod thats not killer expensive?

[AprilArchambeau]

Are these better?

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3837-1-1.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3861.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/AprilArchambeau/IMG_3858.jpg

[Sisyphus]

Of the last 3 you posted, too much color saturation and contrast in #1 and #2. The last shot isn't bad -- better crop here eliminating that spot of light in the upper right corner (whatever it was). And personally, I don't care for the border -- it doesn't really add anything and distracts from the photo.