I'm very(!) happy about how this one turned out. The aspect I'm still unsure about is cropping, which I already find difficult for this kind of shot, it seems to be impossible to underline both the whole scene and the makro-ness of the center details... So I'm also posting an alternative version for you to decide. Once again we have no idea how this flower (which we "borrowed" from a neighbour's garden) is called. We'd be happy to be enlightened ;)

(close)

• this shot is simply awesome! the detail, sharpness, framing and the deep red color tone... impressive picture guys!
  Kris [PiXistenZ] @ 2006-November-6 23:03
• Beautiful shot. I certainly prefer this composition, if only because it gives the flower slightly more space. The alternative crop seems to be packed very tightly, almost uncomfortably so. The reds truly are beautiful. Also, I like the contrast of the blue/gray in the background.
  Gabriel Loeb @ 2006-November-7 01:10
• I like this version better than the alternate crop. Also? I think this flower is a dahlia.
  stephanie @ 2006-November-7 03:36
• Yo! Remember me?
  
  Lovely shot guys
  Jide Alakija @ 2006-November-7 03:45
• love those red tones in the flower petals! nice job with the framing also :)
  david kleinert @ 2006-November-7 08:09
• I prefer this one to the alternative because it seems more considered and respectful of the flower. I, also, like the glimpse of background top right. Fact is, the crop can make of break an image and yet there are no rules to go by . .
  AG @ 2006-November-7 11:46
• I must agree with d rest. When i first saw it, it really captured my eyes. I think this one gives a more breathing space to the flower and it reveals the texture more. The contrast from the dark to the sharp reds are in its full glory. Also, with that blue background it gives it a elegant touch to it or maybe without it, it would of given it a more rich look to it? Nice-1 !
  Daniel Urrutia @ 2006-November-7 20:48
• i think i like the original crop better cause you can get a better sense of scale in it. the light just touching the very edges of the center pedals really pulls me in and gives it a painterly quality that i would normally think is quite cheesy, but for some reason, here, i think it works nicely.
  
  you can ask your neighbour what it's called when you return it. thief.
  schmee @ 2006-November-7 21:37
• Fantastic colour and texture, this is sublime. This larger crop is definitely the one, it gives more sense of form, and the small area of negative space in the top corner makes all the difference for me.
  @ 2006-November-7 23:41
• Ooops, last comment by me
  Phil @ 2006-November-7 23:42
• Amazing colour tones. Really cool
  Thomas Solberg / Project neXus @ 2006-November-8 08:29
• Tena koe ehoa ma
  Superb macro photography and processing! Love the textural feel of this image, it's dimensional.
  ndiginiz @ 2006-November-8 18:34
• Nice to see you guys back in action. :) Personally, I like the version you posted. I love the hint of blue and you've preserved the middle of the flower so beautifully, it would be shame to mess with it. Gorgeous detail and colour too.
  Chris @ 2006-November-8 18:54
• tolle komposition und wahnsinns farben, das einzige was mich ein wenig stört ist die leer ecke oben rechts
  Karl @ 2006-November-9 10:34
• Great low key shot. Alternative shot way better though, theres more detail, the larger version has too much stuff happening and your eyes don't know where to focus.
  tuan @ 2006-November-9 12:47
• Truly fantastic.
  PaulB @ 2006-November-11 22:29
• Beautiful image.
  Brian @ 2006-November-19 20:29
• Wow.. it takes a while for the eyes to see all the details and what it reveals is truly beautiful.
  eterisk @ 2006-November-29 09:54
• Very nice shot! The second suits me more. Anyway both of them are great!
  Lud@ @ 2007-February-6 19:25