WOW, that is a prize-winning picture! I would love to get a picture like that.
One thing that I try to do when photographing natural stuff like animals and flowers is to get down low. I mean really low, like on your stomach! I know that’s not always possible, but it will result in a much more ‘appealing’ picture, because you’re not “looking down” on the subject. Once you’ve gotten a few shots, then you could try to get a different, lower angle.
BTW, I notice you’re using a Sigma DLSR! I use some Sigma lenses, but I’ve never even seen a Sigma DLSR before, although I have heard of them. Have you ever done a comparison between Sigma and one of the big name brands like Nikon or Canon? I know Sigma’s strong point is their Foveon sensor which is supposed to be ‘legendary’ in it’s color and dynamic range capabilities.
Did you edit this picture much? I like the coloring of this photo, and I just wondered if there’s a bunch of ‘post-processing’ going on, or if the coloring is a result of the Foveon sensor. I see from the Exif data that you used Shotwell from which I deduce that you’re using Linux. Have you ever tried Darktable? I have heard that it is an open source alternative to Lightroom that is made for Linux and Mac OS.