#8 is good for its simplicity and the juxtaposition of the full bloom with the closed(what is the flora term for that?) flower.It makes me feel as if i am looking at human character.One is the bloomed and exposed adult whilst the other is the unripe and innocent child that is shielded from the harsh light by the adult.
I have no issues about it being cut off,or the need to have the flower totally clean, for who says it has to be a full flower to be a good shot?
The colours and exposure look okay on my screen.
I think you need more control over your DOF.I feel as if the focus of the photo is marred and distorted by some parts of the foreground that is blurred.
Don't compose you photos as to how people would in books or technically correct shots.Let the flowers and your instincts talk to you.Let your interpretation of mother nature flow and from there, you would get much more wonderful shots.In nature photography, it is how we relate our subject to its environment that is important.If you are able to make the subject stand out strong enough such that others will not have to nitpick on your cropping or colours, then you have a really strong photograph.Most importantly, it is how you use that photograph to convey a message that is important.Technially correct photos only serves to please the eye.Whilst a photo with a real and genuine message will touch the viewer's heart and when that happens, you've got THE photo.
