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.
That’s a glorious sight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are so lovely. I had planted one in my yard and it flowered last year but did not return this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent capture of a yellow flower – they are difficult, especially in sun. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ps: you’re right about photographing yellow. One of my personal rules is, “Don’t try to photograph yellow beach primrose at high noon!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good rule and one I follow for almost all my photography. Better to spend that time lunching.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then you’ll be able to say “Purple and yellow thrills a fellow (or gal).”
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The overall darkness in the image does a good job making the yellow stand out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shooting in the forest allows that much more easily than other environments.
LikeLike
Ohh that is really lovely, Steve! Wonderful details and color.
LikeLike
Thank you, Lemony. We might describe that color as your namesake. 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful. I find myself underexposing yellow as much as three stops. Collateral benefit is I get a nice dark background for contrast.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does, but that often leads to drama.
LikeLike
Which can be a good thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing flower, Steve. That yellow color is so striking.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Yeah. I might have to wait until next year, but I may poke around and see if anyone local has spotted them .
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are two weeks passed expiration date here so definitely would be gone there. 🙂
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they can be found in MN but probably are kept a bit secret as is the case here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great image Steve! The yellow flower really pops and then you see the detail around it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Reed. I processed it to project forward while all else recedes.
LikeLike
Amazing form and colouring, Steve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Pete. Lady’s slippers are a real treat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is one seriously put-together lady! Gorgeous, Steve. Those dark shades…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely pinup material. 😉 These are my favorite lady’s slippers although it’s not easy picking one over another.
LikeLiked by 1 person