Some Like It Hot
by cpanaioti

Comment:
Very creative idea. I suggest using the 'rule of thirds' to place the red subject for more impact.

Field Mushroom
by spencerwood

Comment:
Wow, now THAT's macro! Fantastic composition and detail. You really placed that limited DOF perfectly to get the most important parts sharp. Nice curves too.

Old Style
by dahved

Comment:
Great detail, DOF, colors, composition, and the leaf is perfection. Too many patters in this challenge lack a captivating subject. Thanks for giving us something to look at.

Forked
by Wenders11

Comment:
Very creative pattern. The flow is interrupted for me by not having the tines from the right lining up as well as the tines coming in from the left. Also, I'm distracted by the top right two tine which looks badly bent. I really love the creativity you show here and a little more detail tweeking would have made this very effective.

Circular
by LMA128

Comment:
Nice macro! Sharp with a good DOF. The composition also works well, however, I wonder if a square crop might have also been effective. It would give you enough space to place the dandelion in a ROT intersection without the outer circle truncated on three sides (perhaps just on one side). Not sure if that would be an improvement, I'm just thinking aloud. I do like this as you have it.

Blue Easter
by dwainasaurus

Comment:
Very creative technique and I love the effect for this challenge. I'm curious what this would have looked like if the focal plane were a little further back, possibly with greater DOF to allow the surface texture to come through on the curves. Not sure it would result in an improvement, just curious.

Dockland Blues
by vlado

Comment:
Interesting pattern and I can't make out what it is, so I hope you'll clue us in at the end. Your choice of angle makes for a very satisfying composition.

Smokey Curles
by cryan

Comment:
Beautiful scrolling/curving pattern and I really love the color. It's fascinating watching smoke curl like this.

Day 24 - Drop
by kteach

Comment:
This is a great abstract and I love the feel of it.

A strobe really does make a world of difference for sharper shots as it allows you to freeze the motion with a generous DOF using f/16-18 openings. Also, you might be better off for now in terms of DOF if you use your 70-300.

Before getting a macro lens I did some water shots with my 70-300 that turned out ok. (I just reposted a YouTube Video of them if you're interested. The camera was at arms length on a tripod, zoomed in to the water. In my other hand I did drops with a turkey baster and I had a guide above the water showing me where to drop so things would be in the focal plane (sometimes). Then it was just a matter of timing my hands. :)

I love doing drops, but it sure takes a great deal of patience. Good luck with your future adventures into the drop world.

Up The Stairs
by quiapz

Comment:
Very thoughtful and effective composition. I love the lines and the way you frames this shot.