Jim Wulpi
About the Image(s)
I've enjoyed getting immersed in wildflower photography as of late. This image proves that one doesn't have to travel very far in order to find interesting subjects. This was taken in my yard this past spring. I've since had it printed on metal and is currently in a members show at a local art center.
The title of my image is "Birth of a Bud". It is a Bearded Iris. The name comes from thick bushy "beard" on each of the falls (lower petals) of the blossom. (Google it for a picture).
I used my Canon 100 mm f2.8 Macro lens (IS/USM) to get a wide variety of images from a number of buds. I shot some at night with a flash, and many others at various times of the day. I had fun. I didn't have to do much to edit this daytime/shaded image but got rid of some of the slightly-visible background buds and used a slight vignette to accentuate the buds even more. I cropped it 2:1 for vertical effect.
Canon 6D Mk II, Canon 100 mm Macro lens at 100mm; f8;1/50 sec ISO 2000; EV +1.3 stops.
Your thoughts?
6 comments posted
I love the simplicity of this wonderful piece of nature. Great bokeh for your background. Since your flower is all the way to the bottom edge, I feel that about half the space from the top should be cropped. It may be my eyes, but I am seeing a softness to the flower. I will leave these opinions to Karen, our flower expert. I'd love to see the print!   Posted: 02/01/2025 23:09:20
In a "field" of Irises, I like finding one near an edge of the field to be able to better isolate it from the masses. I then have more options to choose from for a background.   Posted: 02/18/2025 03:34:39
The texture and the intricate details of the petals and the bud wrapping are tack sharp. The veins and the hairs on the petals stand and are in contrast with the soft bokeh of the background.
The lighting is soft and diffused.
The bud is well-placed in the frame, slightly off-centre, and this creates a nicely balanced composition.
Well done
  Posted: 02/05/2025 05:19:17
Thank you for the wonderful review and assessment of this image. This image was very intentionally chosen for all the reasons you identified...Separation from other surrounding buds; lack of other close buds, and the color combination you love with great Bokeh.   Posted: 02/18/2025 03:31:06