Never as easy as it looks because the fine detail makes focusing a real challenge but you have succeeded very well. Not easy to do but a reflector giving more back light does bring out the detail of the fairy like seed heads, best tried in a controlled environment. regards thoramay.

And I also think that this is an excellent shot that draws out the colours and detail brilliantly. I would be tempted to crop the bottom higher at the point that the lower flower stem meets the main stem. It leaves the same effect without drawing your eye downwards to the bottom flower. Try moving the frame downwards to the point I am indicating. Maybe you will like, maybe not. It's al ...

How can you not smile at such a picture and your story adds to this old softie's delight. You must get a lot of pleasure watching the birds at this feeding table. I have not seen any babies yet at my feeding area. Looks like sparrows to me. Am I right?

Now!! From a flower man this is exciting, fantastic...How on earth did you manage this. Suspect that it is a aqueligia but the colour effect has me guessing. Do let me in on how this was done. I really am amazed at this shot. regards thoramay.

Your explanation helps me understand the picture and yes! it always helps to explain your picture. Not a fan of the canvas effect but everyone to their own and you have made me stop and keep looking so that is success. Still recommend the f4'5 approach. F8 has never been an option in flower shots for me. regards thoramay.

Thank you, thank you thank you. A lovely shot of this often brazen flower and such lovely colours. Don't grow then in the garden because she who must be obeyed thinks they are straggly and untidy!!! regards thoramay

As an object in depth of field this cannot be faulted. Can I ask to see the whole flower, please. They are one of my favourites. As an aside, it takes this type of photography to fully appreciate how wonderful nature is and how detailed flowers are close up. regards Thoramay.

Back again, Maria. Maybe if you had changed the F8 to F4.5 you would have taken the background a little farther out of focus and brought more impact to the flowers. Maybe try this next time. regards thoramay.

Certainly an improvement, Trixie, and not the easiest flower to get great depth of field. You are getting there. As I have said to you before. You have that one skill that cannot be taught, that of seeing a good arrangement and picture. I can only encourage you to keep working at it. regards Thoramay.

Have looked at this several times and still not sure, Maria. Maybe its the pink in the background stopping the flowers from being dominant. The dark outline gives it an air of mystery. Strangely, its one of those pictures that makes you think and take time to study, and from that point of view you have succeeded. Just had a thought, Maybe seeing it in large would maake up my mind if I like ...