A couple shots gone wrong...or not?

[Shoreliner11]

I was really upset about accidentally leaving the flash on for the first pic. Right after the lady bug flew away...I tried playing around with it in photoshop but I think its done for. The second I actually kind of like because the stamen (I think, its been a couple years since biology 100) is in focus but the rest of the flower isn't. What do you think?
Aaron

[einsteinsauntie]

I think you need to do what I do, put them in the "artistic" folder and enjoy them that way. I can see what you mean about the stamens but think you'll find you can get even more detail. I have an S1IS too and have been staggered by some of the detail in some photos but also have lots of duds. It's still fun though.

[jfrancho]

Rather than file them away as curiosities, I'd suggest studying them and learning from them. The second capture has some real potential. Perhaps try the same effect on a flower with broader petals that fill the frame, with a less cluttered background. This might make the narrow DOF you've used more effective. I sometimes prop the stem to keep it from blowing in the breeze to get a sharp image. If all else fails, you can cut the flower and shoot it in a makeshift studio setting. I use poster paper and a couple of clip on lights on my dining room table for just this sort of work. Give it a try and psot your results.

[Shoreliner11]

Thanks for the replies gives me some good ideas. Sometimes I forget to learn from photos like the second. Thanks again
Aaron