A pink carnation photographed with a Sigma Achromatic Macro lens screwed on the end of the DSLR zoom. The lens cost £8 on Ebay, and was worth every penny!
No, no one got it as a Valentine's Day card! As to the soft/sharp effect, I recently discovered the value of foamboard for reflecting available light where I want it. On this photograph I had a sheet below the flower reflecting light upwards, a sheet blocking the direct sunlight that was entering the room, and a third sheet reflecting light on to the flower!