Sweet Cicely

Before you post a reply about the front of the flower being out of focus - that was deliberate - I was trying to convey the delicate nature of the flower.

If we don't try these things how do we learn?

Did it work? If not how could I have got the message across?

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When I look at the flower I just WANT the front of it to be in focus. I think fine flowers like these blow your mind when they're crystal clear and you can see all the tiny parts.

I am quite distracted by the overall "green" hue of the picture...Since the flowers are not sharp and in focus (also they have harsh lighting), my eye is first drawn to the "V" of the stem.... I think you should perhaps try and get in closer to the flowers.. or crop them like this...you'll get more of the effect I think you were looking for...

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It doesn't work for me. I like "soft" flowers too, but need something to be sharp, like those little thingies (pistols?) sticking up.
I'd like the OOF background you have, if it didn't have that branch running through the pic, so you're on the right track.

I think the front should have been in focus and the back of the flower blurred, and maybe a little more angle so you see more of the top, not much though. I think you still would have achieved the softness. With the front out of focus I find my eyes trying to look past it and to the background which is also out of focus. then it settles on the middle of the flower. Does any of this make sense? I think the concept and composition are good. Oh yes the flower by it's own design is very delicate.

if it's delicate then let an in focus shot tell that story. Trying to over do it just doesn't work for me. Sorry...

--gmaize

Thanks guys - confirmed my suspicions.