Oh yeah, those spikes are something. Quite a frame and a contrast with the soft petals. Large pollinators enter at your own risk. I like that the sunlight is just skimming the edges of the flower, leaving all else in shade - a nice difference with the spines somewhere in between. I’d rather the top right one be cut off as well as the other large ones. Nice focus down in the center, too.
Don: What grabbed my attention was the light! My first impression was that this reminded me of a candle flame. Beautiful flower superbly captured. >=))>
Yes, the blue needles nicely grab the eye. I feel the flower to be a little “greyish”; I might increase its brightness or saturation. On the other hand, I’m the only one suggesting this.