Attractive plants these, and a nice image. A good combination of greens and browns surrounding the flower and the dominant colour of the flower grabs your attention.
As Justin says a nice image at present. They are a beguiling subject and it can be difficult getting the whole bloom in one image as the plant stems can be very tall (as I know to my cost!). This image would be lifted to another level but for two elements;
Unfortunately the OOF foreground stem (sedge or opening cowslip?) spoils the bloom. There are pros and cons to "gardening" away these stray elements and this will no doubt open-up a whole debate. It can be done sympathetically by bending away if possible, alternatively shifting your position even if by a few inches to take them out of your sight-line. It is very easy to see through these elements in the viewfinder when concentrating on the subject, and I've done it loads of times myself!, but if you are taking time to use diffusers etc you should really be checking for these problems as they can make/break an image.
Also if you get a chance to retake take a bit more care with your background, a slightly different viewpoint to remove the OOF white horizon (building or sky?) element which again competes with the subject.
Your next challange is to find the double purple blooms, and then when the bug holds and if you are really lucky the double whites!
Good one Paul. There used to be loads of these near Hereford. Not sure if they are still there.
Supposed to be some in Norman Hickins garden in the forest here too.
Cheers
John
Thank you all for your comments I hope the repost is better??
Hi John, there were some in shropshire until the site suffered a makover!!! it was unintentional!! so they say.
Discussion
7 repliesFor years I have been wanting to get some shots of these very rare plants, and I am now a happy man.
your C&C please
techs D300, 180 sigma, Sb800 + diffuser at -2ev
1/250th iso 400 f4.5
Unfortunately the OOF foreground stem (sedge or opening cowslip?) spoils the bloom. There are pros and cons to "gardening" away these stray elements and this will no doubt open-up a whole debate. It can be done sympathetically by bending away if possible, alternatively shifting your position even if by a few inches to take them out of your sight-line. It is very easy to see through these elements in the viewfinder when concentrating on the subject, and I've done it loads of times myself!, but if you are taking time to use diffusers etc you should really be checking for these problems as they can make/break an image.
Also if you get a chance to retake take a bit more care with your background, a slightly different viewpoint to remove the OOF white horizon (building or sky?) element which again competes with the subject.
Your next challange is to find the double purple blooms, and then when the bug holds and if you are really lucky the double whites!
Supposed to be some in Norman Hickins garden in the forest here too.
Cheers
John
Lovely shot of a beautiful flower, nits have been covered.
Andy...
Hi John, there were some in shropshire until the site suffered a makover!!! it was unintentional!! so they say.