Sun Orchid

<B>Spotted Sun Orchid</B> <I>Thelymitra ixioides</I>

Found in the bush about 5 minutes from my place, the spotted sun orchid is quite common if hard to find.

Tricky to photograph, the flowers don't open unless it's hot & sunny, in fact some species rarely open and self pollinate. So finding one open on a still overcast day for even lighting can be hard. The Orchid has a single grass like leaf and dies back in summer after flowering, reshooting before flowering in spring. They are amazingly tough plants.

Taken with a Canon AE-1P + 135mm f2.8 + 50mm ext tube. Reflectors used to bounce light in, incident metered. Wimberley Plamp used to steady long stem that moves in the slightest breeze. About 1/2 sec @ f16 on Royal Gold 100. All comments welcome.