Arches Desert Blooms 2

Gallery: FloraPosted June 19, 201365 views6 comments

Another flora life portrait of the harsh environment found in Arches National Park, Utah. Just the right time of the year to catch this bloom and the warm late afternoon light bathes the background in rich red hues.

I tried to avoid the natural inclination to shoot all the iconic scenes of the Arches and spend my time to focus on still life shots of the environment. The afternoon colors of this wonderland are a thing to behold.

Id of the bloom appreciated as well as C&C.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on June 19, 2013 at 9:14 PM

Rick - Very pretty environmental shot for these tall flowering plants. No idea about the ID but I am someone here knows.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on June 20, 2013 at 12:07 AM

Beauty even in the wasteland. Nice environmental portrait again, Rick.

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

Comment posted by Brad Strong on June 20, 2013 at 3:13 PM

Rick,

This is 10 times better than your recent post in Man and Nature. The comp is off the hook better IMO. I like the placement of the flower in the foreground and the perspective it's shot at. It would be nice to see a bit more shadow detail in the rocks. Not to make it look like there are no shadows, just some more detail in the shadows if possible.

Registered on October 1, 2012, 43 Posts, 302 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on June 20, 2013 at 5:13 PM

I found two images through Google. No ID given! Anyway, a well placed showing of the plant in situ. I just wish the plant had a stronger presence.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on June 21, 2013 at 5:56 PM

Along the lines of what Phil said, I'd go so far as to suggest to remove the sky. I don't think it destroys the context, and it would give the plant its due. Just a thought. OTOH, the plant in its wider environment looks great as posted. As is, this treads the line between flowers in a landscape and a landscape with flowers, which is no big deal except when you try to fit a category.

ID: consulted Audubon's Field Guide to Wildflowers and think it might be Desert Plume (Stanleya pinnata)?

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on June 21, 2013 at 6:35 PM

Those touches of yellow blooms are absolutely lovely, Rick ! Makes me wish I had a desert environment anywhere close to go and start shooting !! Beautifully composed with perfect lighting.

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments