The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
About This Image
Our milkweed seed pod crop is still booming and it seems I find something different every morning. These are from yesterday and today.>=))>
Feedback Requested
I rarely use flash but after seeing some of the wonderful results from Jim Z, Canan and Kris Smith I decided to play around a bit with the first image. I was attracted to the spotlighting but the BG was problematic so I experimented with some fill flash and them finished the processing by masking the BG and toning it down. On the second image I didn’t use any flash but again masked, darkened and desaturated the BG a bit. I also noted the tiny red party crashers on the tip and close to the middle of the pod (aphids?). All comments regarding the processing most welcome.
Technical Details
Both images with Sony A7rIII and Sony FE 100mm f2.8 GM macro and 2xTC
#1: ISO 400, 1/60 @ f22, -1.7FF
#2 ISO 1600, 1/40 @ f22