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Pictures for Pam, Day 162: SSC: Backlit Mariposa Lily

(+4 insets)

ACK! Double ACK! I was finishing up a special post for today when I remembered that it was SATURDAY! ACK-ACK!! It's Saturday Self-Challenge and I totally forgot!! *shakes head* I read about the topic a few days ago, "backlit", and because that's a common type of picture I take, I promptly forgot all about it until now. (I'll post my intended picture tomorrow!) :)

The only pictures that might have worked that I'd taken this week were from last Saturday and well, that's kind of too old. So I needed to rush out and take some pictures now…and it was 3:30 when I stepped outside…and now it's 4:30! (I finished this post and made it public at 5:40!)

Did I mention that there is an actual wind-storm going on outside? It's whistling through the roof and shaking the windows. In other words, it's not a good time to be outside.

By the way, have you ever tried to take pictures of flowers when there's a breeze, let alone strong wind? I began cackling like a mad woman and pulling my hair out.

But I had to try. Fact is, if I was unsuccessful, I'd be able to get something inside but well…a challenge…gotta do my best, right?!

I only looked at my pictures after I typed the text above, so I'm adding this after I've processed the pictures I'm posting today. Can you say AMAZED? I simply do not know how I was able to get a single passable picture…but somehow I managed! I did try to go to spots where the wind wasn't blowing so much but there was nowhere to escape the gusts! I was literally laughing at the ludicrous impossibility of it all. I thought I'd have to cheat and use an older picture.

I guess not. :)

The main picture today has turned out to be one of the best images I've ever taken of a Mariposa Lily. These treasures grow all over our property and I adore their alien-like hairy petals and soft pink colors. What I love about this picture is that you can see the hairs shadowed on the petal! It's really neat. (you'll also find an archive inset which shows this lovely flower from above so you can see how amazing it looks from that angle!)

The first of the two insets is a picture of a lovely little flower called a Goldfield. Well named, they grow in massive carpets and are found where it's very soggy. They are in full bloom now, but what a challenge to find one tall enough that I could get a picture from down low! Can't believe this picture turned out!!

The second inset is a Common Brodiaea, and it also grows in profusion around our property. They are just starting to bloom now and I figured they would be a super choice for a backlit subject. Except. They grow on tall, flexible stems and you would have cackled right along with me to see them whipping back and forth in the wind. "YEAH, RIGHT!" was my mumbled comment as I tried to get a picture when the wind wasn't blowing. How I got this picture…I do not know!!

My last inset is just to show you the sort of result that I was getting with that crazy wind! :D It's howling now…and I'm giggling back at it! I WIN, you confounded windstorm! :D

Pam, I searched for "wind" and discovered the perfect picture! I landed on your Windflower collage and what do you know? They are incredibly beautiful in stunning back lighting!! HOORAY!! Really stunning flowers, Pam, it's obvious that you revere these gorgeous blossoms…as you should. They are amazing. Thank you for sharing them with us so perfectly. What an awesome display. :) I hope that you are doing well today my dear! *BIG HUGS* from southern Oregon!

Explored on 4/21/19, highest placement, #1.
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58 comments

Mario Vargas said:

great serie, fantastic colours and textures, creative movement
4 years ago ( translate )

Helena Ferreira said:

Amazing!!
4 years ago ( translate )

Chrissy said:

den behaarten Blütenblättern habe ich noch nie solche Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Das Bild ist beeindruckend.
4 years ago ( translate )

Karen's Place said:

Such a funny story, Janet! I did the very same thing the other day and I was laughing out loud while I was taking my pics because it was so windy but I had to try because the morning sun was shining through the leaves so nicely. I did get a good pic but chose to use my kitty instead.

Anyway, job well done! These are some beautiful images!
4 years ago

Karen's Place said:

I love your story, Janet! I did the very same thing the other day and it was pretty funny trying to take photos in the wind! :))

These are gorgeous images that you got. Great job!
4 years ago

ROL/Photo said:

C'est magnifique très belles fleurs que je ne connais pas..
excellentes photos
4 years ago ( translate )

Sami Serola (inactiv… said:

Ha ha ha! =D (Compassionate laughter) ;-)

I recall the feeling when trying to struggle through 365 project in 2010, and then 366 in 2016. At first time I managed to get it done, but in 2016 is missed one day! What a bummer!
4 years ago

Sami Serola (inactiv… replied to Sami Serola (inactiv…:

Oh, and yes! I know how difficult it is to shoot closeup/macro in wind! I suppose one should always carry a small white umbrella in the camera bag. That would provide at least some sort of a wind protection.
4 years ago

neira-Dan said:

cette série est fantastique !! Joyeuses fêtes Janet
4 years ago ( translate )

Gillian Everett said:

We practically always have strong wind up on our hill, so contantly struggling with flower photos, all good though. love your lily and the goldfield, very beautiful.
4 years ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Superbe macro !
Bon dimanche de Pâques. Amitiés
4 years ago ( translate )

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Wonderful colours and details.
4 years ago ( translate )

neira-Dan said:

au fait Mariposa Lily , ne serait-il pas : Calochortus ?
4 years ago ( translate )

Gisela Plewe said:

Ein herrliches Bild zu Ostern! Und sehr schöne PiPs, besonders das verwehte!
4 years ago ( translate )

J. Gafarot said:

Wonderful set of light and flowers, Janet !
Enjoy Easter to the full light.
4 years ago