Doug, I agree the dahlia tubes are interesting. You did a great job of isolating the background behind the Dahlia. I do think that the drying of the tubes provide a good
focus point of the image. I've been softening/Blur the backgrounds of most flower images as that removes any distracting details and puts interest of the subject.
Your thoughts?

  Posted: 10/10/2026 16:48:58

Hi Doug. This dahlia certainly has a strong personality and evokes an image of a crazy professor. As Bob mentioned, the background really sets off the yellow of the dahlia. I like that it still provides detail and interest and is not just blurred. The placement of the flower at a diagonal in the frame is effective and the detail and texture of the decaying petals adds interest and tells a story. My only nitpick suggestion would be to remove the stem in the upper right corner.   Posted: 10/14/2026 21:59:34

I like the way the center is brighter than the other dying parts. Personally, I would like to see the stem of the flower just a little more visible--lightened just slightly. The flower seems to be floating when I first look at it.   Posted: 10/21/2026 01:57:37

Hi Doug,
Greetings my friend,
Usually we pick up the fresh Dahlia or a tenderly petals Dahlia for a portrait. At the outset, you have made an exceptional image, by capturing a decaying dahlia. The color, the lights and the backgropund came out beautifully with your composition. Thank you for sharing this different types of Dahlia for this edition. It reminds me of the "Vincent van Gogh" painting of Dahlia's.
Thanks again.
Cheers.
Kamal.   Posted: 10/22/2026 11:33:11

Hi Doug, quite like the image, I would slightly darken the green foliage at the bottom right hand corner, otherwise, lovely presentation.   Posted: 10/23/2026 10:45:44