The Story Behind... Coeur de Rose

I've just posted a new photo in my 500px portfolio, titled "Coeur de Rose" (Heart of a Rose). You can see it below, or on http://500px.com/photo/63352323.

Coeur de Rose (c) Gilles Royer 2014 - Nikon D200 / Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro / ISO 125 / 90mm f/5.6

Another image in my macro portfolio, as usual taken handheld under natural light. This one was taken in the afternoon light, still a very nice warm weather down under (32 degrees). 

The flower is obviously a rose, one of those old-styled one, burgundy in colour. Quite unusual, and just beautiful. I tried a few different shots, with different angles and focus areas, but this one worked best. You really want the first row of pistils to be in focus, whereas the back ones and the petals being more blurred (thanks to a shallow 5.6 aperture) direct the eye to the heart of the flower.

Unfortunately, we arrive to the end of summer down here in Australia, so this is going to be the end of the flower series. I'll have to find other subjects to shoot during the colder months!

Cheers