Bird of Paradise

The finest bird of paradise image I've seen Gary. Great job on the comp but I think it's the exposure blending that sets this image apart for me. With the exception of this image I've never seen one of these where the texture of the plant didn't detract from the image IMO. They've all ended up looking harsh and brittle. Consequently, this one is exceptional to me. Love this rendering.

pat

Striking image. I like the frame filling comp and bold, bright colors against the white BG.

I really like the high key approach. A sweet image Gary.

Between your comp of the radiating lines, the great flower that it is as a rare double bloom, and the lighting, this is just art! Wow!

A truely professional touch, I think. Your study of Ikebana is having a positive effect on you already significant personal skills. I'll look forward to more great photos, Gary.

This is fantastic Gary, as fine a portrait I have seen. Superb capture and well shown.
Bob

All been said Gary
I don't understand all the techs - but it certainly works !
JohnR

I really like this a LOT! The high key blending has paid off here in a big way. I agree with Pat, that this may be my favorite paradise image. Keep 'em coming!

Gary,
extraordinary photo, very well executed and composed.

Well at very first glance "NO Not stark White" literally flashed thru my tiny brain, and then I took a good look at the flower. Yes, I like it and the light BG presents the flower in a very nice light with what I feel is good contrast with the different colored edges. I must have been in the "darkside" for too long! Good job Gary!

Very tough to find a BOP Flower in this pristine condition - if the petals are in good shape they attract dust and dirt and sometime bird dropping also .

Superb high key look for this crazy good looking flower. Nothing more to say. Just excellent

Great high key image. This treatment really makes the bird-of-paradise look like it could fly.

Gary: One of my all time favorite flowers. This is such a perfect specimen and your treatment of it matches its natural beauty. Absolutely superb shot. >-))>

Thanks everyone for your comments. Really appreciate them.

I learnt a secret about getting pristine looking BOP in Ikebana class..There are normally 3 blooms compactly stored in the spathe and the flowers emerge one at a time. The 'secret' is to manually extract the others from within spathe which is what I have done here for the flower arrangement. As the flowers are freshly extracted, they look pristine.

Thats a great way to show off the wonderful shapes and curves of this beauty. very nice.I also like thewayyoupositioned the flower curving to the side and away

Gary, the pastel colors are splendid. I like very much the lowering of th overall saturation. A perfect photo like this doesn't stand even small imperfection: the green in the bottom sepal near the stem has little white spots. What do you think about a bit of work with Clone? Beautiful anyway.
Take care.

Gigi:
Actually, I have removed some of the more obvious white marks which are dried up mucus fluid from the flower itself. I left some to keep the image anchored to reality; as it is, the flower is getting a little surreal.

Another beauty, Gary -
Congrats on the WP!
Sandy

Congrats on your WP Honour, Gary

Works beautiful in high key Gary. Fabulous forms. Congrats on the WP.
Herb

Congratulations on the WP Gary. Beautiful image.

Hi Gary Sorry i, missed this one. Very busy last week Tests, tests.! on my lungs.!! A well deserved WP
Albert Darmo