Critique Christmas cactus- try 2

[gchappel]

Tried a harder light source. Uncovered bulb with a snoot. By changing the light to subject distance, you can control the light/dark contrast.
There is a picture in here somewhere- still working to squeeze it out.
A good friend gave my wife the cactus a couple of years ago- and this is the best bloom yet. She wanted a nice picture. One of the color images already fulfilled that need- looked great in print.
The b/w is more challenging. Lots to learn.
Comments appreciated.
gary

1

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2

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3

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[Butlerkid]

What do I know????? #2 is the one I am really drawn to..................although the drops on #3 are nice.....

In #1 the contrast between the flower and stem seems abrupt. #3 whites seem a bit too white....

Getting close....

 

[Mike Buckley]

The contrast throughout the second one and the mystery at the bottom of it really speak to me. Nicely done!

 

[Pa]

Different strokes, etc...I personally would want to take advantage of the beautiful colors. In B&W, I don't find these busy shapes very interesting.

 

[Mitchell]

I love the rim lighting you captured on the cactus inferiorly on #1. Perhaps just a bit of fill with a reflector would make that one even better.

 

[Binnur]

The contrast in # 2 is very nice but my eyes seek for an anchor point for the flower and it doesn't exist. That's why my fav is #1 with the composition. May be you can add some contrast to it to see how it works.