critique please.

[Robp412]

I'm not to sure about this yet...
I don't have a macro this was as close as I could get...

 

[Robp412]

I'd really appreciate something. This is my first one on here.

 

[tirediron]

Geez, relax. Your image was only up for half an hour. Some of us have to eat breakfast!
The first comment I'll make is that you have a lot of dirt on your sensor. You should definitely clean that, but if you're unable to, 'tidy' up those spots before posting.
Overall, the image isn't bad. It's a nice central composition, which I like for this type of subject; the rule of thirds doesn't apply in all situations. The colours appear just a bit off to me (although that may be my work monitor) and it's slightly under-exposed.
Given that you didn't have a macro lens, the background isn't bad; I understand you have to be stopped down to get all of the bloom in focus.
I would clone out the bright spot on the one stamen lower-left, as well as the dust/pollen on the petal aimed at the upper RH corner.
Just my $00.02 worth - your milage may vary.
~John

 

[Robp412]

Thank you.

 

[WDodd]

I like it. Make sure you try different angles and stuff. I find the most interesting macro type shots tend to be taken from the flowers' level or some other position that people wouldn't normally see.

If you want a cheap alternative to a macro lens, I just recently bought a Kenko extension tube set. Its pretty awesome for shortening that minimum focus distance.

 

[Alpha]

Macro lens, please.

Tools for the job...tools for the job.

 

[mmcduffie1]

Need to enhance the colors me thinks and maybe have the flower shower then shoot.

 

[RyanMillerPhoto]

Good image, Could be a bit brighter I think. You can do this in the computer pretty easily. Would enhance the colors at the same time.

To me it is actually a little safe, meaning you could try rotating it a bit so its not so "level". Just something to try.

 

[Computer_Generated]

most of the things I would have commented on have already been said. I really have to agree with the under exposure here though. I personally really like bright vibrant colors when looking at close up shots like this. I mean thats kinda why you take them right? I think with the lens you had to work with, you did a very good job.

 

[Robp412]

I appreciate everyone's input.
I have to wait to get a job to buy a macro lens but I'm super excited to do so.
So again thank you everyone I'll continue to work on improvement.
-Rob

 

[Alpha]

Forget the exposure issues here and work on them elsewhere w/ an appropriate subject that your lens is suited for. You're just not going to get that shot w/o a macro lens, and good macro shooting draws heavily on technical concepts that are probably best-learned in the non-macro world. Like I said, tools for the job. Master the ones you have before you set out to conquer others. As a beginner, if you have too many shooting styles on your plate it's far too easy to get your wires crossed. Baby steps.