Bullbells

John: I like the subject, not altogether sold on the comp although I do think it works. What doesn't work great for me: the small lower bunch doesn't fit in all that well and I'm also having trouble with the group in the back. Assuming the BG is similar I would probably move left a bit and isolate the two main groups in a landscape orientation. I do like your DOF management and the colors. >=))>

Thanks for looking and commenting, Bill. I definitely value the expression of your thoughts on an empirical basis.

What I would like you to consider is the flow along the main stem. My theme is the C-curve. So consider that theme being the stem. Then you have the flowers hanging down from that stem themselves making a C if you "connect the dots" as it were.

And then we are left with the two flowers in the background. While I see your point from a purist perspective, my thought is to consider the image with and without these two blooms; and the requirements the mind is asked to perform in each case.

Let us assume we eliminate all three; the two you cite on the stem and the one at the bottom in addition. Then the C-form of the stem doesn't carry as well in its flowers, at least to my eye. I think that if the two in the background were not there, it would make it too easy. I think that their "dasein"; being-there; is essential to force the mind to work; to discern what the subject is.

I am in no way arguing with your observation, I'm just stating a different viewpoint that is also part of the empirical domain of possible responses, I think.

John, I'll take a middle ground between Bill's comments and your response. First, great subject. I love bluebells (and have some in my gallery). I like your use of the curving branch and hanging bells, getting the main bunches in the same plane of focus. I also think you did a good job getting light on the subject. I like the nice green leaves. I agree with Bill about the blooms in the bg, but that's pretty minor. My other minor nit are the dark spaces at the mid and bottom right. I guess I prefer a cleaner bg, but that's pretty subjective.

John, I like this as posted. In my humble opinion I think the lower blooms complete the composition.
Bob

Hi John. This is why i dont like shooting other peoples flowers...... on mine, if i dont like the compositiion i snipe the unwanted bystanders. I like how you captured the "C" , and the fine light and color. but agree with bill about the unwanted bystanders
Albert Darmo

I've had a chance to consider the various viewpoints that have been offered. I am forming the theory that there may be different normative domains: Within the core of flora photography, perhaps there is a goal of capturing the pure essence of a particular blume. This is one domain. Another might be a more generalist perspective of, say, wildflowers or flowers in natural contexts, where the issue of wanted and un-wanted is still present but taking another direction, I think, where suchness can play more of a role. Bird photography might be an example of another domain wherein the masters operate within a specific set of norms.
That's my theory, at any rate; sort of along the lines in language of meaning arising from context.

Not being a flower photographer, I still like the image pretty much as-is. However, as the season is now ideal, I think I'll give a try to what I think Albert and Bill are referencing and, if nothing else, hopefully will learn something.

Thanks for all the comments! .