Red Diamonds :)

I like how you used DoF to isolate the subject parts so precisely. The colors are very nice and nice bokeh in the petals.

I like it just as it is, but I also find myself wondering how it might look with some of the left edge cropped off to give a 4:5 aspect ratio with the subject centered. The symmetry about the center point of the flower may or may not lend itself to emphasizing that symmetry by changing the angle to one directly above. If so, then maybe a square format with the subject dead center..

Srini, here in Ohio, we're starting 2013 surrounded by white snow, so I like your starting 2013 with a subject with beautiful, striking colors. Like John, I like the chosen dof and the separation of the center from the bg. I also like the slightly off center comp. I think John's suggested square comp/perfect symmetry comp has merit, but the center of the flower would need to be centered within the darker area for this to work.

Happy New Year.

Srini: Having shot hibiscus centers like this many times I know the difficulty of precise camera placement. You did really well here. Great first post for the year and looking forward to your images in 2013. >=))>

Nice job! I really like the shallow DOF here & the wetness of the stamens! Nice vibrant colors as well!

Crisp and colourful, Shrinivas, and very well composed with the flower centre just off centre. The light and shade in the bg are especially striking I feel.

Gorgeous color and I like the dof decision very much. Beautiful image.

Happy New Year to you as well.

pat

Srini - Good feedback already and I agree that a squarish composition will do this much better justice. Strikingly rich red color and well balanced DOF.

Srini:

Love the striking color and excellent plane of focus management.

Thank you all. Based on the feedback, i did square crop and here it is. Personally, i am not very happy with BG in this format. I too have other variants of the same subject which i will process and post in next few days.