macro geranium

One part of a geranium blossom in a flower basket. Easy to shoot practice target.
T2 and 100macro.....SOOC

The portrait ones are better than the landscape ones because we get to see the flower rising up from the bottom of the photograph - the landscape shots just have wasted space either side.

The photos don't look too contrasty to me, I would try playing around with the levels a bit and see if you can make them pop a bit more. Also, what shutter speed were you using? The look slightly soft to me, although that may be because they've been downsized from the originals.

Agree that the portrait versions look the better. Having never felt the urge to point a lens their way, these are excellent inspiring captures.

After a quick edit.
The flower bud is less than 1/2 inch (12mm) high
1/5 second f7.1