Interesting take on the regular red rose. I like the diagonal compostion of the rose really makes it dynamic and interesting. The lighting helps to bring forth the soft texture of the rose petals. Contrast helps not to really give great details but helps to give you the form of the rose itself. This keeps it nice and simple. "9"
Wonderful - looks almost like wood. Intense contrast, satisfying composition, real sense of weight and shape, and texture - albeit not an accurate texture, but what has that to do with anything?
The lighting is a little too harsh. I would like to see more texture, too much of the area is under deep shadow, or too brightly lit. I do see what you were trying to do with the lighting, and it is a good idea, but I think the shot could've been better.
I like this alot. Wonderful clarity and lighting. Some people might like the contrast down more, but I like it as is. I like the background black fading a little lighter at the top.