i forgot white balance

You did get a bit of a blue cast didn't you.

That said - you can get some nice results when you forget your white balance.

Blue casts can work quite well, with pink flowers though xx

I agree, blue casts can work well in some situations (any colour cast can really!) - however, be careful of over-exposure. Looks liek the flash may have been a bit too direct and strong for this delicate bloom.

Lovely try though, it's a very pretty flower!

xx

Have to say on top of previous comments that I can't see the focal point. Maybe its my computer screen but my guess is you were either using the extension rings or macro lens.
For me I would try taking the picture a little further away to get everything sharp then, dare I say, crop the photo to this size.
The other thing I notice is the top of the flower caught most of the light leaving the lower parts relatively dark in comparison. Positioning of the lighting, be it strope- lamp or natural needs just as much attention as does the camera position. This is where a lightbox comes into its own distributing the light evenly on the subject when placed inside, with suitable lights shining through.

You might find that using something white to reflect the light back onto the flower will get rid of some of the shadows and create a more even light. This would help with your white balance as well

Having tried- done -failed with macro photos several times with the same shot myself it is not as easy as one thinks. My problem is I can focus say on a centre of flower ok and all the rest goes haywire.



Macro/close up photography is a challange in itself and requires just that little bit more work to get a good result

There is another possible answer and that is trying to use macro on something too big for macro photography. I would like to see the same shot with the 18-55mm lens only at the 18mm range

Tony full marks for attempting the above and I hope my suggestions may be of a little help for which they were intended .

PS Just "lifted" your picture to have a little play in Photoshop Elements and the good news is that with correct editing the picture comes out almost spot on. Oh I have not kept the alteration on the computer because its not right that I should do so.
Bazza

Tony
I have sent you a PM which might be of interest.

Bazza

no probs bazza,would have been nice to have seen an comparison,by the way read message thanks very much for the encouragement,and to all reply's thankyou

Just a very quick alteration Tony, but gives you a rough idea.

Bazza