So far the only white Cypripedium acaule I have found this year. In the past several years there have been a few in the spot where I found the Pink pair that I posted last week but none at that time. Yesterday my mission was to find one and I did in Shutesbury where there has reliably been one yearly.
It was a day of flat light with an occasional drizzle and light breeze so not quite the conditions as might have been but good for a portrait and much easier to control the highlights.
Amazing, this orchid.
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That it is and I am always excited to find one despite having photographed them often over the years.
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The Shutesbury site yielded a white delight of a sight.
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It’s a good sight at this site and many others.
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I like the subtle variations in the lady’s slipper’s white petals. So much better looking than just one big blob of colour.
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Overexposing these is easy and that would create just what you describe. I was fortunate that it was an overcast day so managing the light was easier than it might have been. Thanks, Peter.
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Exquisite! I do like the white better than the pink, so elegant.
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The pink are more commonly seen so maybe that gives one a jaded tendency. 🙂 I am happy every year to find them and exceptionally happy when coming upon the white variant. Thanks, Eliza!
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Steve, this is beautiful. I’ve searched for these in my area without success. There is a subtle texture to the slipper which I think you’ve captured.
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Thanks, Khürt. From a distance the texture is not apparent but upon close inspection, and especially full-framed, one can see it in detail. Some of the upper surface of the labellum often captures more light and blows out but on this day the light was kind. I hope you come across some.
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The contrasting greens are an especially nice touch; as others have said, the texture’s the story with this one.
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This is a case where equipment doesn’t necessarily make the image but does help to enhance it. The sensor in the new, although not so new anymore, camera allows for better detail which makes the texture more apparent. I looked at this flower a week earlier when it was just a small bud so it is quite fresh in the image and the green glows.
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I’ve not seen a white one before. Is it an entirely different species, or is it as with white bluebells, just something you occasionally see? Beautiful photograph.
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It’s the same species, Cypripedium acaule, which is basically pink but sometimes it develops a white flower. I see dozens of them in Northern Maine. I’ve searched but found a reason such as soil or some genetic quirk. Just something about the pigment in the flower. Thanks, Todd.
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Stunning specimen! We had the pink ones on our property in South Jersey’s Pine Barrens and I miss them.
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If we had to move I would be very sad to leave the lady’s slippers, and painted trilliums, behind. This one was very fresh, I had seen its bud just a few days earlier, and came back in hopes which were granted. Thanks, Denise!
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That is such a sensitive subject to photograph with its dimensionality and pale colours. Beautifully handled as always.
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I went back and forth deciding whether to place focus inside the flower or on the labellum. I settled in between and got some nice texture. Thanks, Pete.
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So pretty! I’m glad you went looking for this beauty. Too bad I’ve been absent during the spring wildflower rush but I’m catching up…
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I’ll go to another location where I shot the two pinks and see if any whites came out. It didn’t look like they would but even a wild orchid needs some time off. 😉 Thanks, Lynn!
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🙂 🙂
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Very Nice Steve! Enjoyed seeing your White Pink Lady’s Slipper image!!
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Thanks, Reed!
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