Shenandoah Natl Park, Dayflower and Rhododendron

[artsnimages]

Ill start my first post on this site with a couple of my favorites from the park last Spring!

Both were captured with the Canon EOS 5D, EF 100 f2.8 MACRO USM and the 580EX Speedlight using a Sto-fen diffuser.

Asiatic Dayflower / Commelina communis, Commelinaceae

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/dizzyduck69/Dayflower.jpg



Great Rhododendron / Rhododendron maximum, Ericaceae

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/dizzyduck69/Rhododendronmaximum.jpg


I almost missed the Dayflower as it was buried uner a group of Tickseed Sunflowers near the road in a moist area.

Jim

[jckegley]

You did really well with the flash lighting. I have yet to master that. I think just the right balance of shadows and hightlights.

I love the pink to white gradient of the Rhododendron petals. That's a really nice shot. The flower pops out of the picture.

[SkipP]

Like Joe, I too have yet to master flash photography and flowers. In fact, I sometimes wonder why the thing is taking up space in my bag! You made it work well here, giving the flowers a lot of "pop".

[dddenton]

Wow Jim, the colors and details in the blooms are really beautiful. I'm not sure if I ever noticed a Dayflower before. If I did, I didn't know the proper name. Thanks for sharing.

[Squatty]

Well, well, well he's come out of hiding! :D Don't be a strainger Crusty.

Nice shots too by the way. You really have to take the time to notice these type of shots. I think a lot of folks walk right on by without ever really taking things like this in. I can't wait to get back up in the hills in March with my brother for another hike. I hope his ankle is all better by then.

Thanks for sharing Jim.