Thanks Mike.

Well it was just cropped around 20 %. Just to position the flower right in the shot. Glad you like it.

Thanks Martin. I'm quite pleased with the result and love the reflection in the eyes. Adds something.

He was indeed angry....

Ok back to some macro work. My latest bee shot - boy he was an angry fellow....

Sigma 105 - ex Macro

Iso 100, F8, 1/350 - dual flash.

C&C please.

Hehe - that's right but I thaught the softnes was something you added to the shot

I'm one of the "younger" ones I guess . I find pleasure in both realistic (straight from camera) shots and shots that are tweaked.

When I do my shots I have an intention either to show it realistic - eg- my macro work as an example. Other shots - as my HDR's - are shot with this intention, with composition, light, an ev compensation in mind. I know what I want when I push the button.

The last part is what I find important. If you know what you want with the shot I don't mind the PP work afterwards.

I agree with Martin, that you need the right material for shots - you need to figure prior to a snap what you want. (still I love you shot for the competition - i love the soft glow )

I hope it makes sense - just wanted to share my view - as I fnd heavely manipulated images just as good and interesting as the complete opposite.

The first 3 are nicely done. Makes me wonder (again) to replace my faj 75-300 with this one.....

Nice set overall.

It is a nice shot.

I really like the crop - gives something extra - well done.

A few things to work on - the black line under the chin distracts me - quite a bit actually. I would like to have the glass in the shot instead of clipped. Hope this helps.

Fantastic shots. I really love # 3 and 4 - perfect balance in the shot. Love them.....

You would have great succes on Flickr with these for sure.

Thanks a lot - appriciated greatly

Thanks for the comments Martin....

And congrats to the winners this round.