Ian Chantler  


Flaming Orchid by Ian Chantler

November 2024 - Flaming Orchid

About the Image(s)

I mentioned recently I was humbled to have been invited to to become a member of Luma Creations media team as the photographer I am part of a 4 person team covering Latin American events organised by Luma creations even more humbling I am the only member of the team who is non Latin American.
I officially covered my first event for Luma on Saturday 12th October the day of Latin American day of Indigenous people with a fabulous event called Latin X at the Unity Theatre Liverpool.
One of the entertainers was Magaly Flores who is choreographer and lead dancer with Colibri Mexidance I captured this image during Magaly,s first performance, I posted this image on my Instagram page and a gentleman from Chihuahua in Mexico posted she looks like a Flaming Orchid so I googled the flower and saw what he was saying so thank you to that gentleman for giving me the title.

How I did it

Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM focal length 75mm, f4 1/250s ISO 5000 .
Basic adjustments to RAW file made in CS6,cropped slightly from the top sharpened using a high pass filter.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Ian, si señor you did a very good job. Image is sharp and full of color and you captured her at peak in the dance doing some sort of twist. Perfect background.   Posted: 11/06/2024 21:31:53



R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Ian, there is much to like in this image. First, for me the bright colors in the dancer's outfit catch and hold my eyes. Second, the sharpness of the image adds to the effect. Third, the way the colors of the dress work with the browns in the floor. Lastly, I feel that that solid black background helps to keep my eyes on the dancer alone. I just wonder what the image would look like if you had captured the entire reflection of the dancer. Well done. Have you entered this in any exhibitions? Would love to know how it has done?   Posted: 11/10/2024 19:00:30
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Gary
thankyou so much for your kind words I was in Manchester with Magaly and her wonderful dance troupe this weekend and presented her with a framed copy of the picture she was so happy with it.
I have not yet entered it in anything but I will in the future,the picture I posted last month Scottish barn window was entered in this months club comp as a print and was awarded a Very highly commended so I am well happy in the same club comp I picked up 2 more VHC's and a highly commended from 6 entries.   Posted: 11/10/2024 21:32:52
R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Your images are always well composed so I am not surprised at those VHC's!   Posted: 11/10/2024 22:22:32



Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
My eyes see and my body feels the fluid motion of the dancer and her beautiful smile lets the viewer know how much she loves her craft. The image is tack sharp and provides bright colors. A strong image my friend.   Posted: 11/11/2024 19:55:11
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Many thanks Erik the one thing that is so obvious over the last few years since I have been photographing the Latin American community is what ever they do its smiles all the way.   Posted: 11/13/2024 20:44:37



Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Hi Ian. Congratulations on being invited to join Luma Creations as their photographer. This image is another example of the high quality of your work and also of your ability to capture the right moment to get the perfect shot. The framing, the smile and the swirl of the dress all show you have hit it just right.
I think if you had included the full reflection it would have unbalanced the composition by giving us two subjects to look at - the girl and the reflection.   Posted: 11/12/2024 11:44:21



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Many thanks Guy the image was laid on a plate for me by this wonderful lady I was with Magaly and Colibri (Colibri is a hummingbird) in Manchester last Saturday at her invitation celebrating Day of the Dead and getting a wonderful education on its traditions and meanings and symbolism.   Posted: 11/13/2024 20:49:13



Vella Kendall   Vella Kendall
Another wonderful image of a person. As said before sharp, colorful, her smile is engaging. One can feel the energy and feel the music also.   Posted: 11/20/2024 06:19:24



Vella Kendall   Vella Kendall
Another wonderful image of a person. As said before sharp, colorful, her smile is engaging. One can feel the energy and feel the music also.   Posted: 11/20/2024 15:54:21