Snowy Range Columbine Critique

Continuing the recent "on the fence" theme, I'm posting this photo of columbines which I photographed during my weekend last month in the Snowy Range for critique. I like the composition that the curving line of flowers creates, but I'm not sure if I like the selective focus. It was windy that day and I had to have a shallower depth of field than I would like in order to get one of the flowers sharp at all. Does it still work? Other comments?

It works for me. I think that as the blooms move out of focus, it helps increase the graphical sense of the curving line. It also helps that they are brighter than the background which helps the curving line shape stand out as well.

Works for me as well. Definitely a great capture!

I like the selective focus. I wish there was a bit more curvature.

Works for me, Josh, i like the way the focus tapers with the line. My only critique is the color/brightness balance from left to rhs, id prefer even dark.

I like the selective focus, too... but not crazy about the aspect ratio. If you crop the top flower it may appear that the curved line of flowers goes on forever.... and maybe give the flower on the right more breathing room if you have more in the uncropped original.

Burning the corners/background might be a good idea too.

Nice capture, especially given the conditions!!

I think this works as is, but what potential for that software I've read about (and never tried, yet) called Helicon Focus. Taking a series of shots with the focal point changed several times from front to back. The software then takes the shots and blends them into one shot with focus from front to back.

I like the selective focus. In fact, do you have any comps that pushed the selective focus even more? And I really like Nat's crop suggestion - which also enhances the focal point at the bottom of the image.