back light

Bob: I really like the lighting and your color management as well as the overall comp. One of my personal quirks when shooting hibiscus is to get the little harry filaments on the heads of the pistils sharply focused which would make this better for me but I do like this as is and suspect others may not be as anal about it as I am. Nice work. >=))>

Love the deep, rich red color, Bob. Like Bill, I'd prefer the stigma and pistils be sharper, but still eye catching.

Robert, I am every bit as anal as Bill. Also, I think you went too far with f/25. There is no reason with a tripod and cable release why you shouldn't have at least half the flower tack sharp. If the softness is due to noise reduction issues, you could always try some fill flash.

This makes for a striking comp. Bob, and, apart from perhaps wishing the yellows might pop just a touch more, I am very taken by the soft, misty look.

Robert:

You choose a great subject. I do like the bright red against the white. Often with backlighting, I find that a small reflector helps to bring a little balance to the lighting at the front. Would have like to see the edges of the petals all round.

Very striking. Excellent reds and I like your close-up view.