As I mentioned yesterday, I did find a more local plant but I was well late. It is good to know where to find it next year though. In the meantime, here’s a shot from 2007 that’s a nice memory.
Yellow can be difficult, especially when a flower has a bit of waxy texture. An overcast or in this case rainy day helps cut the glare that even a polarizer can’t always reduce.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
That’s a glorious sight!
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They are so lovely. I had planted one in my yard and it flowered last year but did not return this year.
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Excellent capture of a yellow flower – they are difficult, especially in sun. 🙂
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That they are and is why I try to shoot them on an overcast or cloudy day. These are woodland flowers so it is a little easier. Thanks, Ann.
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This is a beautiful yellow, and the purple detailing is especially nice. The yellow water lily I found is known for purple spots on its pads; now I’m wondering whether there are more instances of purple and yellow as a combination in the plant world. I’ll have to watch for it.
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ps: you’re right about photographing yellow. One of my personal rules is, “Don’t try to photograph yellow beach primrose at high noon!”
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It’s a good rule and one I follow for almost all my photography. Better to spend that time lunching.
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Then you’ll be able to say “Purple and yellow thrills a fellow (or gal).”
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I imagine there are others although nothing comes to mind at the moment. I find the shapes of these to be very pleasing with the curly petals and dorsal sepal so richly colored in contrast to the yellow labellum pouch.
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The overall darkness in the image does a good job making the yellow stand out.
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Shooting in the forest allows that much more easily than other environments.
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Ohh that is really lovely, Steve! Wonderful details and color.
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Thank you, Lemony. We might describe that color as your namesake. 🙂
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Beautiful. I find myself underexposing yellow as much as three stops. Collateral benefit is I get a nice dark background for contrast.
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Yup. I usually expose for the yellow and then dial back if necessary depending on the quality of the light. If necessary I’ll block the direct light or use a diffuser. Exposing for the yellow does darken all else.
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It does, but that often leads to drama.
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Which can be a good thing.
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What an amazing flower, Steve. That yellow color is so striking.
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Thanks, Mike. They are special. This map shows them in MD. so maybe one of your nature reserves could direct you to a location although I imagine they might be protected.
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Yeah. I might have to wait until next year, but I may poke around and see if anyone local has spotted them .
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They are two weeks passed expiration date here so definitely would be gone there. 🙂
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Yellow always presents a special challenge. I agree that underexposure and increased saturation are the keys. I’ve only seen the pink ones in the wild, but I hope to find some yellows too.
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I think they can be found in MN but probably are kept a bit secret as is the case here.
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Great image Steve! The yellow flower really pops and then you see the detail around it!
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Thanks, Reed. I processed it to project forward while all else recedes.
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Amazing form and colouring, Steve.
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Thanks, Pete. Lady’s slippers are a real treat.
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She is one seriously put-together lady! Gorgeous, Steve. Those dark shades…
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Definitely pinup material. 😉 These are my favorite lady’s slippers although it’s not easy picking one over another.
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