Pipe Organ Cactus Bloom

Gallery: FloraPosted July 4, 201124 views11 comments

Shot this in a friend's backyard in Vista, CA. This cactus flower blooms for one day a year and lucky for me, I happened to see it. It was near sunset so the light was just perfect as well.

Canon 5D MKII, EF24-105mm f/4L IS,105mm, ISO 100, F4 @1/320 sec

I'm a newbie here so I'd also like to say "hi" to all and thanks for your comments and critique!

cheers!

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on July 4, 2011 at 1:59 PM

Sarah: Welcome to NPN and to the finest Flora gallery on the planet. This is a terrific first post. I like cactus flowers in general and your lighting and comp really compliment this beautiful bloom. Well seen and superbly captured. Great to have you aboard and looking forward to more.>=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on July 4, 2011 at 3:03 PM

A really sweet first post Sarah. The light, composition, and detail are superb in my opinion. Welcome to Flora, and sure look forward to more wonderful work.
Bob

Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on July 4, 2011 at 4:33 PM

Welcome to the gallery Sarah. I like the flower but the light is at least as nice. Good dof decision for my tastes and I like the mood of this as well. Very nicely done. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work.

pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on July 4, 2011 at 4:39 PM

Love the warm light and the comp is well done.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Kennedy on July 4, 2011 at 6:42 PM

Hi Sarah! Welcome to NPN! This is a great first post and makes me anxious to see more. Great lighting and detail.

Registered on March 9, 2009, 79 Posts, 676 Comments

Comment posted by Bob Duff on July 5, 2011 at 5:23 AM

Timing is everything as you know and the floral gods were with you. Love the comp with the tough cactus spines against the soft creamy bloom. Excellent contrast.

Registered on April 21, 2010, 160 Posts, 1675 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on July 5, 2011 at 9:21 AM

Welcome to NPN (you're gonna love it!) The light in this image is perfect and you've used it well. I like the placement of the bloom in the frame and the details of the cactus itself. The gentle shadows on the petals add depth. Nicely done

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Morgan Casey on July 5, 2011 at 9:37 AM

Welcome Sarah! The lighting has a nice, subtle warm tonality to it. I like how the detail of the cactus contrasts the flower beautifully. Nicely done.

Registered on November 16, 2010, 22 Posts, 269 Comments

Comment posted by Derek Yow on July 5, 2011 at 12:53 PM

Welcome to NPN Sarah, and wonderful first post. Great light, and I like how the softness and curves in the blossom are the opposite of the hard sharp lines of the cactus. Lovely shot, looking forward to seeing more!

Registered on May 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 655 Comments

Comment posted by Giuseppe Guadagno on July 5, 2011 at 4:11 PM

Beautiful photo of a beautiful flower. Unusual angle and composition; I like it.
Take care.

Registered on February 3, 2007, 827 Posts, 5052 Comments

Comment posted by Sarah Clarehart on July 8, 2011 at 1:07 AM

Wow.. I got distracted by life there for a minute..

I want to thank you all for the VERY warm welcome! It is really an honor to be in the company of so many fine photographers! I look forward to growing with you all and celebrating all your successes! Cheers!

Registered on April 22, 2011, 5 Posts, 30 Comments