Prickly new cactus buds
by Melethia

Comment by Louis:
I really like this image. I think you've composed it wonderfully; the placement of the buds adds much interest, and your decision to leave a large dark portion intact in a way that intersects the image on an almost perfect diagonal gives this an abstract feeling that satisfies. This is further enhanced by the depth of field that drops off, almost precipitously, from the edge of the leaf down. A wonderful composition.

I perceive that some may be distracted by that large dark area. I really love it; I think it works great. I see spots on the underexposed leaf within this element, making me want to inspect that area more. Elements that make you work your way carefully through a picture are always good, in my opinion.

Lighting and focus are perfect for this image.

Overall, a great effect that I really enjoy. Thanks!

Prickly new cactus buds
by Melethia

Comment by deapee:
The only thing that you really gotta work on here is the composition -- the same things that apply in other types of photography still need to be applied to macro.

Prickly new cactus buds
by Melethia

Comment by chalice:
This is a good macro. I like the diagonal composition and the light/dark divide that it creates. It's hard for me to say how I would improve on it (first of all, I probably couldn't improve upon it, but that is a skill problem I have to deal with). Perhaps if the dark were a little darker, there would be more 'punch' to this shot. The focus is certainly sharp and the photo is well done. (BTW in the first instant I saw this shot - before I recognized what it was - I thought the little critter was following the big critter. LOL.)

Colorful view
by Melethia

Comment by Rikki:
great find on the colors ;)

Colorful view
by Melethia

Comment by Konador:
Nice job using the window frame as the photo border.

Colorful view
by Melethia

Comment by GIS_boy:
Without a doubt colourful. Nice perspective and interesting photo.

Missing Man Formation
by Melethia

Comment by DigitalVita:
Beautiful graphic image. Good choice of subject for this challenge.

Prickly new cactus buds
by Melethia

Comment by Kelli:
I think this has excellent detail, very crisp. The white tips give the indication that this could hurt when it matures, but not quite yet. The DOF is excellent. I did vote this a 6, and the reason it wasn't higher was it just didn't capture my attention for long enough.

Prickly new cactus buds
by Melethia

Comment by obsidian:
I like this shot a lot! It has strong composition and a subtlety to the colouration that I find relaxing an engaging. However, as has been noted elsewhere, because it is not more "out there" in terms of contrast and saturation, unlikely to be a firm favourite for the "pack".

This would have gotten an 8 from me if I had voted (so why didn't you? I hear you ask...)

Carl

Colorful view
by Melethia

Comment by bvoi:
I like the vertical orientation.