cracked lens: Comment on poise

While my arm has healed enough for me to lift a camera to eye level, keeping it steady is another matter entirely, so I'll be married to my tripod for the next few weeks; better than no camera at all, but I'm still looking forward to that particular freedom.

Restrepia elegans (Orchidaceae) is one of about fifty species within Restrepia, a neotropical genus of orchids that grow as epiphytes and lithophytes in the montane forests of the Andes as well as higher elevations throughout central and northern South America. The labellum (lip) of the flower in question is a mere 2.5 cm in length, but though these waxy flowers are relatively tiny, they're prettier and far more intricate than many of their gaudy cousins sold in the cut flower trade. The antennae-like lateral petals and filamentous dorsal sepal are fairly typical of most species in the genus, though naturally shape, colour and stature differ markedly; to the credit of the genus, the species shown here has nothing on the more spectacular species of Restrepia.

This plant is blooming in my own collection, and does so fairly reliably during the cooler months; there are certainly positive sides to winter.

Comments on: poise

wow, this is truly awesome mate.

the composition is really elegant and sober.

beautiful.

sorry to hear about your shoulder. I can feel you here, having broken my left shoulder last february on a ski slope. Hope you're doing alright with your tripod :)

Posted by pierre at November 21, 2005 03:10 PM

What a great photo. Perfect sharpness and lovely colours aided by the flat backdrop. I'm really glad you're back up and running - I, for one, missed your posts!

Posted by CurlyToes at November 21, 2005 04:32 PM

Hooray, he's back! And with a characteristically beautiful image too. Crisp, sumptuous and just a little bit sinister :)

Posted by matt at November 21, 2005 07:09 PM

We might have snow by the end of the week - I'd certainly welcome seeing more shots like this one to warm us all up! Such a beautiful flower, and you've captured every intricate detail perfectly.

Posted by owen at November 22, 2005 12:06 PM

Piiiuuuhhh! THIS IS AN AMAZING SHOT!!! AMAZING! I know how difficult this is! Well done! And I hope you are well!! Cheers,

Posted by Heidi at November 24, 2005 03:24 PM

Orchids have more varieties than any other species, or so I am lead to believe. Such amazing variations in shape and colour its no wonder people become avid collectors. This one sure is a great colour combination, and an excellent capture to shot it off. Great use of a neutral background too.

Posted by ROB at November 24, 2005 09:03 PM

Great to have you back. Beautiful picture... your macros are amazing!

Posted by Mike at November 25, 2005 01:37 AM

OMG, this is superb stuff! Incredible details and nice colours. The almost flat background makes this shot better.

Sorry I don't know what happen to you arm, but I hope you will get well soon and divorce with your tripod. I will read on to find out what happen to your arm. :P

Posted by yungyaw at November 26, 2005 11:02 AM

Hrm.. I notice the figures in your EXIF and I'm curious about it. Why you use f/29 (what's the smallest aperture of your 100mm?) and 10/1s for this shot?

Posted by yungyaw at November 26, 2005 11:04 AM

The cranberry freckled slipper of a nature maiden. The simplicity of the shape is only enhanced by the background. Nothing to fight with it, a flower's sex laid bare, willingly open for inspection and adoration.

Posted by knottyboy at November 27, 2005 04:17 PM

great photo; wonderfully crisp and excellent composition.

Posted by david at November 29, 2005 01:53 PM

Good detail in the shot and as always a tremendous write up.

Posted by joe_ob at November 30, 2005 09:07 AM

lovely detail! and the pink is perfect

Posted by mikhail at December 12, 2005 05:18 PM

what great detail on the flower!the background is perfect, makes you concentrate on the flower

Posted by mikhail at February 15, 2006 06:52 PM

Comments on: poise

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