I found a bunch of these seeds on a walk the other day and thought they would be a subjects for a macro shot. I couldn’t decide which photo to post. The second one has greater depth of field- but I love the reflection in the first one. Which image do you like best?
These photos were both shot at f/16, 1/200, ISO 400 with added bounced flash. My shooting challenge involved getting sufficient light without losing the reflection- and without adding a reflection of the flash on the white surface (my white chair again). I ended up underexposing- and then opening up the shadows in Lightroom. If I had used a wider aperture, I would have needed less flash, but would have sacrificed depth of field. I know I need to learn more about focus stacking for macro shots to avoid this issue- but not today!
melinda anderson photography 
These are simply exquisite. The interesting seed pods (I think they’re liquidambar pods) make a perfect macro shot. I’m impressed that there is no reflection from the flash and the subject reflections are wonderful. And I’ve learned a new term: “focus stacking.” I obviously have fallen behind. 🙂 I’m torn about which I one I like best. I love the really up close macro of the first but there is something appealing about the position of the seed pod and that little stem that makes me love the second shot more. These would be great framed as a pair. Nice job.
The first image looks like something from space but I like the whole seed pod in #2……hmmmmm #1. Those darn things are not fun if you step on them……without shoes……..
Although both are wonderful images, I personally prefer the second shot, Melinda, mainly because of the DOF and the excellent composition.
Well done!