Newbie Seeking Comments, Advice, Etc

[Becki_D]

Took this picture today and would like your comments.
Editing is most appreciated.
This flower picture was taken with a very shallow dof (good or bad?)
Also, do the lighter petals lead you out of the picture?
Is the image "too soft", i seem to be struggling with focusing issues.
Thanks All that take the time to look and post their thoughts. Oh and please forgive me for not naming my picture, it's late here and my brain is fried:confused:

[Rigrider]

I think the DOF is just a bit too shallow, and you could use a bit more sharpening, but that's just my opinion. Otherwise, a very nice shot.

L8r,

[Becki_D]

How do i achieve greater sharpening, via PS?

Okay here's basically the same picture shot with a greater dof and also sharpened with PS? Better?

Maybe i'm weird, but i sort of like the surreal feel of the shallow dof. Probably not technically as sound though.

Thanks for your input:)

[PhotosGuy]

I like it, but then I shoot a lot of flowers like that! ;-)
http://photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/?start=120

[Becki_D]

Nice gallery Photosguy. Particularly like the white iris shots. Not going to tackle whites just yet, cause i KNOW i'll just blow out the pic:D

[PhotosGuy]

Not going to tackle whites just yet, cause i KNOW i'll just blow out the pic :D:D
Seen this?
Gray Card…White Paper. What’s best? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58677)

[Hellashot]

I like the first image posted more than the 2nd. The 2nd seems rather ordinary compared to the shallow DOF in the first. My eye really goes to those yellow tops in the first one, but since verything is in focus in #2, my eyes don't go anywhere.

[MCB]

yeah, i like the first one better, too. Maybe it's the lighting being better in the first. A tiny bit more DOF in the first one might be nice, to see the middle of the flower. But I like the foreground and background blur.

[Becki_D]

thank you all for posting. I appreciate the comments. Okay, Frank, i'm gonna read over the link you provided and sometime this week i will dedicate a day to shotting nothing but whites :o

[Learner]

I actually love the first shot, exactly as it is, my eyes too go right to the yellow tips. It's kinda "mezmerizing" to me:)