C&C welcome

Macro shots natural light thoughts suggestions?

I like these
The first better as:
1/ brighter - though perhaps a shade overexposed
2/ greater DOF gets more petals in focus

It looks like the camera was at an angle as the stalks behind are all leaning over. I wonder if vertical stalks would have been better?
Very central subject - might be beter with rule of thirds or other compositionally appealing choices.

Thanks Martin, I keep forgetting the rule of thirds!

I disagree with Martin about the rule of thirds. This is a straight-on shot of a flower. No side is favored. If it were "looking" to one side or the other you would want to give it a little space in that direction. That's not the case here. In fact, I think a square crop would be better, as it would remove the distractions on the side. The subject itself could use a little more room on the bottom. If you were to print and frame this, the petal would likely be cut off.

I do agree that the better one is slightly overexposed. The whites are blown out on the right side.

Thanks!

Well done!

Thanks!

strightleg wrote in post #18308832
Thanks Martin, I keep forgetting the rule of thirds!

Rules are made to be broken!

strightleg wrote in post #18308832
Thanks Martin, I keep forgetting the rule of thirds!

Good...You should forget it.
Some words from some of the really great photographers on the subject and a little video by one of the greats, Jay Maisel. "Be open"
https://vimeo.com/1166​92462 It's short and really worth a watch.

And some words by some of the greats.

"When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision. Following rules of composition can only lead to a tedious repetition of pictorial cliches." - Edward Weston

"There are no rules and regulations for perfect composition. If there were we would be able to put all the information into a computer and would come out with a masterpiece. We know that's impossible. You have to compose by the seat of your pants." - Arnold Newman

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs." - Ansel Adams

"And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say, you're either defined by the medium or you redefine the medium in terms of your needs." - Duane Michals

"There are no shortcuts, no rules." - Paul Strand

"Photography is not a sport. It has no rules. Everything must be dared and tried!" - Bill Brandt

"I came from the outside, the rules of photography didn't interest me... "-William Klein

" ...... a photograph can look any way. Or, there's no way a photograph has to look (beyond being an illusion of a literal description). Or, there are no external or abstract or preconceived rules of design that can apply to still photographs. " Garry Winogrand

and maybe my favorite which gets directly to this thread
" ......so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing." - Edward Weston.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #18330713
Good...You should forget it.
Some words from some of the really great photographers on the subject and a little video by one of the greats, Jay Maisel. "Be open"
https://vimeo.com/1166​92462 It's short and really worth a watch.

You have posted this before and I watched it again just now.

This is all you need to know. He sums it up perfectly. The best 5 minute photography lesson ever.