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A few Cactus shots taken early October at the Hunter Botanic Gardens. The first two images were taken with the Nikkor 105 VR Macro (courtesy of Jenno - thanks Ray). The other two images were taken with the Nikkor 28-70 f/2.8. For a larger version, click a pic.

that last shot is great, the flowers are so bright, and i like the fact the background is black, helps make the flowers jump out at you.

I really don't know about these ones from you Peter - there isn't anything really wrong with them, but they just don't stand out against some of your other pics - OTHER THAN THE THIRD!

Lovely composition, colours, lighting and sharpness in the third one! It just jumps off the screen - I hope it's being printed

As for the last one, I just can't agree with NJ (sorry NJ!) - I don't like the lack of colour. I presume you've pulled the saturation on (at least) the background/bits other than the flowers themselves. I, personally, think you've overdone it It looks too unnatural to me.

You've done better, sorry I say this as bluntly as I have as I know you can take it

I have the pleasure of visiting the Hunter Valley on Monday. I am definately going to take the camera and I was curious if you could recommend and good spots.

I am really into the extension tubes at the moment and I have to say the gardens looked particularly attractive.

Ed

Go to Hunter Valley gardens while you're here if you want to play with extension tubes. They currently are in the middle of their rose festival, but there is lots more to take pics of. Admission is $19.50, but well worth it. I'd allow at least two possible three hours. To give an idea check my Hunter Valley Gardens pics HERE on my smugmug site.

Nathan, Leon

Thanks for your comments. I thought the last one may polarise some people. I like it for the reasons Nathan mentions, but understand why you DON'T like it Leon. The image was quite dark to start with, but this is further enhanced by a black & white conversion layer merged over the colour layer as pin light and then opacity set to about 19% (this effectively darkens the blacks more)