Bill, this is a beauty! I think the extra buds are an important part of the story, as the viewer can anticipate more blooms to come. The sharpness of the spines is great as are the details in the flower itself.
The partial buds are fine, Bill. They’re necessary to provide sufficient curvature to imply the ring of buds on the plant. While it may be accurate, I find the very bright pollen clusters on the stamens a bit jarring. Otherwise a beautiful image. The pattern formed by the spines is exquisite.
Partial buds work for me, too. They extend the line of them and are about symmetrically cut off so it avoids feeling awkward. The color and texture of that little flower is truly wonderful and I really like the depth of focus you got with the stack. All those spikes look terrific and contrast so well with the softness of the flower itself. I like the ragged edges of each petal, too. Super.
Beautiful image Bill and tons of detail so the 8 shot stack did the job. Partial buds not a distraction for me and I like the distance the main subject enjoys. The needles are making an interesting pattern too.
