Fierce Beauty
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 mm 2.8 macro, 9.0 aperture, 1/200 shutter 100 ISO, one Alien B800 to left of camera feathering off to the front using a covered umbrella to control light spill at 1/2 power.
Orchids are an unusual flower. They look to be part flower, part fairy-tale creature, with jaws open and tongues appearing to lick fire. They are wild and beautiful. Fierce and and delicate. Captivating.
Tonight I was out of human options to photograph, so I went by Kroger on the way home to see if there was anything intriguing there. When I walked in, there were dozens of these beauties in pots all around the entrance. I chose my favorite color combination and took them home, gently steadying them in the seat next to me as I drove. I rode with my windows down and their heads swayed gently back and forth in the breeze. Yes, they would do. They were intriguing.
Setting my light for this shot took some time. I did not want flat lighting. These flowers begged to be placed in more dramatic lighting. I moved my light and my subject farther and farther away from my white seamless paper until it finally went black. ( Inverse square law, via Zack Arias and his One Light Workshop.) Also, placing the light to one side and allowing it to feather off provided some definition to the flowers and the water drops. I finally had a little drama for my intense flowers.
Always learning. I am never failing if I am continuing to learn. At least that is what I am telling myself. Until tomorrow. 🙂
Tumbling Down
Orchid Laughter
3 Comments
these are pretty magical but the real beauty is behind the camera.
The orchids are beautiful, but you are amazing. I don’t know which I love more – your photographs or your words. Even the conversation about driving home draws me in and I want to be a part of your world.
Your Mom expressed my feelings exactly. I always love your pictures but your word are equally intriguing. Love what you did with the orchids. Gorgeous!!