playing with macro

[Bambi]

taking good macro photos is a goal of mine. these I took today while in my garden.
what do people think? suggestions for improvement of my technique or post-photo editing would be most welcome. I have both picassa and gimp. My camera is a Sony cybershot

[kat]

First photo:
I like the focus on the yellow part (can't remember the name of the thing), vibrant colors, the composition isn't screaming at me though. There are a couple of little areas I would dodge/burn.
Second photo:
Much prefer the composition in this shot. There are a couple of highlights (bright spots) in the background I'd try to burn. I would of liked to have seen less shadows on the bud. Maybe the use of a flash or taking the photo from the otherside of the bud where there is more light on it.

A tip, would be to watch what you have in your background so that it doesn't compete with your subject.

I hope this helps!

[Bambi]

thanks Kat, I appreciate the comments.

Every time I try the 'dodge' 'burn' tool it just doesn't seem to work out for me!

[kat]

thanks Kat, I appreciate the comments.

Every time I try the 'dodge' 'burn' tool it just doesn't seem to work out for me!

It's something I still toy around with. There are different options for each and then the amount to use. I tell yah, I think I spend more time doing those two things than anything!!!