This is a huge dahlia, in dark red with white tips. But in b&w it seems to not be so impressive. Perhaps because the darks and lights surrounding it are too contrasting?
I think you lose some of the definition in the leaves and foliage, but it really highlights the pattern in the bloom itself. Maybe if you went with a tight, square crop, so only the flower is in frame?
@ljmanning@borof Now that you point to it, I wonder why I didn't use a square format, as I can do that in camera. And I often do it when something seems out of place. I totally agree that a square format would have saved it. I will not change this one, though, as I want it sooc and hopefully to learn from it :D
@shutterbug49@ludwigsdiana Yeees, the contrast is great. It might be that this particular bloom ended up in a bouquet, but I will try and get a shot of another one from the same bush.
I like the way the monochrome makes the detail and textures stand out - I would have been tempted to add a vignette to reduce the background distraction.
