DSC_1855-Edit-Edit1
by Ja-9

Comment by spiritualspatula:
Neat flowers, never seen any like this. I'm left wishing there was a TINY bit more DoF here to get a bit more of the open flowers in focus. It would be nice to have all of the anthers in focus, since they are so visually interesting and provide nice texture. The bigger issue, though, is that the background feels a tad intrusive, even though it is somewhat muted. I think it's the dark center of the flower that's OOF.

DSC_1827-Edit-Edit1
by Ja-9

Comment by spiritualspatula:
I'm assuming these are some sort of plant, but again, the processing makes them look almost made of steel, and the effect is very cool. They look sorta like tiny spiderweb whisks, and the water drops just add even more interesting texture to the whole scene. Composition is not as strong here as some of your other shots, however. The potential leading lines are broken by the angle the subjects are relative to your focal plane, which further somewhat obscures the subjects themselves in some places.

DSC_1632-Edit-2a
by Ja-9

Comment by spiritualspatula:
Cool abstraction of what I'm assuming is a boat. Love the tension on the rope, and the processing has made it appear almost like steel cable. My favorite part of the shot is the reflections in the black hull, although that chrome is very nice, as well. Well seen, but not my favorite of the bunch.

DSC_0849-Edit-2-Edit1
by Ja-9

Comment by spiritualspatula:
Great colors. I also enjoy the view of both the front and the back of the orchid. The blown highlights are there but don't really present a problem, IMO. The backlighting works well for the flowers, serving to isolate them. I also like that there are buds present. The only issue I have is that this hasn't presented the subject in a particularly "wow!" way. It's a pretty shot, it has great composition, but is it arresting? For me, I think that's one of the real hard things to find, but also a necessary for a successful Best Of.

DSC_2424-Edit-Edit1
by Ja-9

Comment by spiritualspatula:
Good macro; great colors great light on the subject. Some nitpicks- I'd like to not have the false antenna (properly known as tentacles, if you're curious) obscured by shadow. So far as insects go, these guys are right in the hard size range for shooting, so far as DoF goes. It's difficult to get them all in, but easy to get just small bits. I'm on the fence about if I want more or less here, so not sure what to tell you so far as that goes. I do very much enjoy the composition for this shot.

Herrreeeee Kitty, Kitty, Kitty
by Ja-9

Comment by flaherma:
I've got to admit I've never seen any road sign like that before! Interesting image - I'm curious about the location.

Bam!!!
by Ja-9

Comment by jomari:
Beautiful flower - beautiful photo.

Bam!!!
by Ja-9

Comment by dtremain:
Nice color - love the orange / yellows. I'm wondering what it would look like fill-the-frame, with very little or no green.

DSC_6243-Edit
by Ja-9

Comment by Marc923:
I'd say that's a good burst of color.

I Love . . . . .
by Ja-9

Comment by GAP2012:
nicely processed! good attempt!