To Focus or Not To Focus

I like all of the images in this collage, but I really don't know how to control my focus In macro photography. Probably need better lens and more focal points. But until then I will play and keep trying...
Which one do you like the best?

[Lou Ann]

These are nice in their softness. Sometimes out of focus is okay, I like these very much.

[Merrelyn]

I prefer the focal point of the image in the middle left.

[Massimo]

To increase the DOF you could try to close the aperture of the lens.
Anyway, I like all of them.

[Paul]

Do you manually focus Martina? Just move your camera back and forth tiny amounts and stop when the area you want to focus on is sharp, that's how I do it, but the slightest movement on your part and it's gone. These images are all delicate with excellent shallow dof. For me, maybe the middle left image - looks really good against the out of focus background :)

[Martina]

@paul10 , thank you, that is exactly what i am doing, but since i use extension tubes i have to come really close, and with the dof so shallow I dont really see what is it I am focusing., especially outside. Is it me and my vision, and that final tiny move...i never know what will i get...Now I want real macro lens so i dont have to “kiss” the flower (or something worse). I will have to take Massimo’ s advice and increse dof for now if and when I can get enough light. At the end it is equally fun and frustrating!

[Martina]

@spectrum, thank you Massimo for the sdvice. I will try to increase dof, Try to get optimal dof/focus that i like and that i can control...

[Lois]

Lovely collage!

[Kathy]

Personally I like all 6 and especially put together like this. I, too, have difficulty finding the sweet spot and find that when that becomes a problem, I try to put it into manual focus. Not saying that always works for me, though.