by scott lanz
Bee on milkwood with a bg of mixed coneflowers. This image is cropped roughly 40% from original, and I have posted the original in flora. Other crop suggestions, as well as any other comments, questions or suggestions, welcome. D600, 150 sigma macro, 1/1250, f4, iso 400, tripod supported. 
Comments
6 commentsScott, I find comparing the two fascinating as it speaks to how I view images. The fundamental image is excellent with great details in the bee and flower (looks like Butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tubarosa) against a terrific and very complementary background. As I jump back and forth, I like both versions very well, but find myself most attracted to the full size image because of the sense of space and the extra tension that the sharp flowers near the bottom add. I fully expect others to disagree as this choice gets into the story the the image tells and how much of that relies on what we as viewers bring to the table.
Thanks, Mark. I've added a "tweener" version to the flora post which takes some off the top and sides, but preserves the small flowers in the LRC which, like you, I like in the original.
This looks like it was either early morning, or late afternoon. In either case, the warm colors/light are very pleasing/attractive Scott.
Great detail at the head/eye where it matters. I can't see that I would've composed any differently here..
Very well done
Scott, the "tweener" version works great. I like it a bit better than the original.
Scott, I will view this in Flora after this ( saw the thumbnail). I like this exactly as is, narrow DOF and all. It has such an ethereal quality to it. You have placed the sharpness so exactly. Really fine work!
Scott: Really like this one too. I don't have a preference; spectacular any way you crop it. >=))>