trying for the primordial beginnings feeling

[JBW]

[James G]

Brian, I rather like the idea, though this looks more like birth and decay, rather than just beginnings to me)
You do still need to work on the basics. This image is out of focus in the critical areas and I'd argue that the composition would bear a significant crop. The out of focus greenery at the bottom is too distracting.

The vignette does draw the eye to the centre of the image, but this in turn creates confusion as to the focal point. Is it the seedling or the stone within the decaying fruit case?

[JBW]

Brian, I rather like the idea, though this looks more like birth and decay, rather than just beginnings to me)
You do still need to work on the basics. This image is out of focus in the critical areas and I'd argue that the composition would bear a significant crop. The out of focus greenery at the bottom is too distracting.

James, that you think more of birth and decay means to me that I got at least one thing right, the shot was interesting
enough to create a reaction.

I see your point about the crop. I am guessing that to move the focal point around i will need to use manual which I must admit I am just a wee bit scared of getting into.
The vignette does draw the eye to the centre of the image, but this in turn creates confusion as to the focal point. Is it the seedling or the stone within the decaying fruit case?

I could say something defensive like 'primordial is always confusing' but you are right there are too many focuses.

[James G]

Brian, I am not familiar with your camera, but check your manual.
If you are using auto focus there are usually a couple of options that may be appropriate. Spot focus allows you to select a specific small area to focus (and meter on).

Unfortunately nothing is for free and you may have to apply exposure compensation if the focus area is much brighter or darker than the overall image.

I think you will also need to steady the camera when shooting such small subjects.(Tripod, Monopod?) Camera shake becomes much more significant with small objects and to be honest any 'macro' shot of this type should be stabilised some way.

[JBW]

Brian, I am not familiar with your camera, but check your manual.

I will
If you are using auto focus there are usually a couple of options that may be appropriate. Spot focus allows you to select a specific small area to focus (and meter on).

spot focus not so sure

Unfortunately nothing is for free and you may have to apply exposure compensation if the focus area is much brighter or darker than the overall image.

I think you will also need to steady the camera when shooting such small subjects.(Tripod, Monopod?) Camera shake becomes much more significant with small objects and to be honest any 'macro' shot of this type should be stabilised some way.

I agree about the stabilization. I took some today i will play with and post where I was stabilized.