Darcy Johnson
About the Image(s)
This photograph was taken on one of my favorite hikes in the Colorado National Monument near the Colorado/Utah border in late April. I enjoy hiking and seem to photograph whatever's in bloom. The area is considered high desert. I didn't change a lot, mostly lightening and brightening the flower while darkening the background slightly. I did remove a bit of "I don't know what" that was distracting to me in the upper left background. The original photo - Canon ISO 100, 19mm, f/4.0, 1/500 sec
Since I paint botanical watercolors as well, I am always interested in more detail about whatever flora/fauna I photographed: The Redstem Stork's Bill (also called a Filaree) is a hairy, sticky annual herb that is somewhat invasive. The flowers come in clusters at the top of a stalk and resemble ornamental geranium flowers. The plant gets its name from the immature fruit which resembles a stork's head and bill (seed pod) The seed pod bursts open in a spiral when ripe sending seeds with feathery parachutes into the air. The entire plant is edible.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
Your composition is spot on and I like the softness of the colors. A very nice image.   Posted: 08/06/2019 19:10:43
Thanks for providing details and the habitat of the Redstem Stork's Bill   Posted: 08/09/2019 06:28:09
I am branching out to other groups. I am in Frederick, but grew up in Longmont. I noticed St. Vrain Photography Society in town. May have to consider joining.
Great composition of this group and the colors are brilliant. Your second version almost make the image "posterized" and the darker background does promote the colors of the petals. Nice highlights on the center of the petals as well. Soft feel to the entire image. The close up of the petals and tightness of focus definitely create a nice Bokah to the background.   Posted: 08/27/2019 21:44:49
  Posted: 08/29/2019 09:47:03