sunshine and rain

Technical:

The focus is very tight and sharp on this, using the 'rule of thirds', which makes it an interesting shot. The edges of the petals look very sharp to the touch. I like the very shallow depth of field, softening the edge of the flower and blurring the background.

The lighting is both harsh and soft. Harsher on the center of the flower, softening as the focus gets soft, which adds flavor to the balance within the picture.


Composition:
Rule of Thirds is used in more than one way here! The main focus of the picture is on one 'third line', and the background appears on another 'third line', which is an interesting point of view.

I like that we don't see the whole flower, and that there is empty space in the background, leading us to notice the flower.

The complimentary colors of the orange of the flower and the bluegreen background is nice.

The petals of the flower pointing toward the middle of the flower constantly lead the eye over to the right edge, then back again to check out the softness of the background, which is a nice effect.

Mood:

I like this photo. I like all the soft vs. hard aspects to it. Harsher lighting, softer lighting. Pointy petals, soft background. Hard, tight focus, blurred background. All of this makes a very nice photo.

This is the kind of photo I'd hang in my office. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)"/>