Costly Lady Slipper

A few weeks ago, in anticipation of my upcoming trip to shoot wildflowers in Colorado I decided to get out the new D300 and shoot some Showy Lady Slippers that were blooming in my yard. On 2 separate days I took over 250 shots, trying various comps and f-stops. I would have shot a third consecutive day but I had developed a bad rash on my arms and my face had swelled up so much that I couldn't see. I ended spending that 3rd day in the hospital emergency room. Much to my surprise I learned that those really cool fuzzy green leaves on the Lady Slipper are toxic. What really gets me is that I did the same thing last year and couldn't figure out what I'd come in contact with, so I had to do a repeat performance this year. This first one being one of my favorites.

Does the late afternoon light work in this one?

Does this comp work or not?

That's a tragic but funny story! At least you came away with some awesome shots. I like the third comp the best, although I think the brightness could be boosted a little on it.

Some things you have to learn the hard way, I guess. Who knew?! Glad you're okay.

I like the third one best, too, but agree it could use a little more pop, with a contrast boost perhaps. The cloudy ones work much better, imo.

I also like the flowers that are indirectly lit.
The third is also my favorite. Along with a postprocess 'pop', a little sharpening would help.

Laurie,
I had a similar run-in this season with the wildflowers in the Lake Elsinore, CA area after running into patches of both poison oak and a very bad wildflower called "Poodle Dog Bush", which is extremely noxious. I had a case of severe dermatitis from both for weeks after coming into contact with both.

Needless to say, I'm sure we both have learned our lesson about our beautiful wildflowers and are both the wiser right?

Great images. Really like the colors and the soft light.

Beautiful flower and photos, especially the soft light versions. I love lady slippers, unfortunately this particular species doesn't grow here in Colorado, there are Yellow Lady Slippers in the Front Range however. Good luck with your trip to Colorado.

I agree that the third one is a nice comp. I also agree it needs more pop, both luminosity and color contrast. If you're comfortable editing in the LAB space, I'd recommend steepening the a and b curves. If this doesn't mean anything to you, please disregard

I never knew... Not many Orchids are toxic, but now that you mention it, a quick Google search says many Cypripedium species cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

I'm with the rest of the posters so far, and would go with the third one, adding a bit of contrast.

Hello Laurie,

Beautifull pictures. The second one with the late light I do like most.
Hope you did get wel soon.

I too love the second one best with the late light. Next to the Lady Slipper toxin, poison ivey which is so prevelent in the woods, is what I watch out for. Great job on the photographs.I also agree that Lab would perk up the colour greately.

Had no idea lady slippers were toxic! Thanks for the warning.

I like the third one as well, however, the cut-off petal bothers me. You might try retaking this same angle, but use horizontal orientation and try cropping it square to effectively add more on the right side.

Ken