Digital Photography Composition of the Week

Gazinia

A centered, radially symmetric
digital photography composition

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Digital Photography Composition #6 - 13 May 2009
Nikon D300, 18-200mm @ 170mm, ISO 400, 1/160s, f/11.
A freshly-watered gazinia demonstrates radial symmetry with its topmost eight petals.

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I came home from work one afternoon and saw my neighbor planting a flat of gazinias. I was captivated by the bright colors of these flowers. Unfortunately, neighborhood rabbits were equally captivated by the colors and this was the last we saw of the gazinias.

The flower was large enough that I could get a close image by using a moderately long focal length. I wanted a small aperture (f/11) to assure that all petals were in focus, and I wanted to avoid any noise from higher ISO. As the sky was overcast, the resulting 1/160s shutter speed was low for the 170mm (effective 255mm) focal length. Vibration reduction in the lens compensated well and I ended up with a very sharp subject.

Photo Critique

Strong color, strong contrast, and the centered, radial symmetry give this image impact. The water droplets add an element of interest that sets it apart from ordinary flower photography compositions.

I'm pretty close to this image, so I'm curious as to how you would make it better. Please share your constructive thoughts, below. I will publish the best of them.

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