A Very Rare Orchid

Gallery: FloraPosted July 13, 2014197 views10 comments

Eastern prairie fringed orchids are moving towards extinction due mainly to habitat loss. In Michigan, this plant is only found in the moist sections of lake plain prairie fragments. These endangered plants are pollinated by sphinx moths and the flowers have a very sweet fragrance and long tubular spurs which contain nectar.

As I was on my way to observe this population, there was no wind and the lighting was soft. After arriving, the wind was gusty and the lighting was harsh which is not optimal for photographing white flowers. Pentax K5 IIs, 300mm f4 DA* (1/80 sec. at f9.0, natural light). Post processing included levels and sharpening and highlight adjustments finished with Topaz Detail........................Jim

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Barb Pflaum on July 13, 2014 at 11:10 PM

I've never seen this type of orchid. I love the fringe. Good comp and nice soft bg. Very nicely done!

Registered on January 14, 2009, 316 Posts, 2724 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Zelinka on July 14, 2014 at 10:31 AM

Nice image and an interesting subject.

Registered on August 20, 2007, 206 Posts, 998 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on July 14, 2014 at 7:00 PM

Jim - Cool looking fringed petals for this Orchid. Your handling of the light and wind is just awesome. This is a photo I'd love to have in my collection

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 15, 2014 at 8:11 AM

I'm with Ram, you handled the ambient light in expert fashion Jim.
Love the structure, especially the petals..reminds me of coral.
Very nice!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on July 15, 2014 at 3:29 PM

Good work! Nice to have a record, but as well a super job in processing! Especially considering the light and wind.

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on July 15, 2014 at 8:45 PM

Hi Jim

I thought this was an in studio shot... You managed the light and wind wonderfully well. thanks for sharing this rare Orchid with us... excellent work..

Albert Darmo
Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Giuseppe Guadagno on July 18, 2014 at 11:58 AM

Splendid Jim! Thanks for sharing.
Take care.

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

Comment posted by Bill Fach on July 20, 2014 at 2:50 PM

Jim: Great find and a really good capture. 2 thumbs up! >=))>

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on July 25, 2014 at 8:13 PM

Beautiful - congrats on the WP!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on July 27, 2014 at 9:05 AM

Thank you. I was fortunate to see this plant in flower and I hope that this population continues to flourish..............................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments