Dragonfly and Bees

[ashmuddy]

Hi I am a newbie just starting out in photography. I find it has become addicting!! Here are some recent pics I took and would like some feedback!

Thanks!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2757531204_ddea952eff.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2747883639_8d1710a2b4.jpg

[tirediron]

Feedback per req:

1. Nicely focused and well exposed (albeit slightly over-bright toward the rear of the dragon fly, but that's easily corrected in post). Fully understanding that this sort of photography is 'take what you can get'; that is you can't pose a dragon-fly, consider your backgrounds. You've done a good job of using selective focus to isolate the subject, but the stems image right are still somewhat distracting. As well, the "pose" isn't ideal; more of a 3/4 profile, focusing on the insects head would be my suggestion. Macro work follows neither the rule of thirds, nor guidlines about 'cutting' parts.

2. Much better background in this one. I think this would work even better as a tight crop of just the bee and the bloom that he's "working" on.

Overall, very nicely done, welcome to the forum. Hoping to see more from you.

John