I photographed this day lily using my make-shift studio, which consisted of a dark blanket thumb-tacked to the ceiling and soft incidental light from a window. I like the understated tones of the flower in this image, which, in bright sunlight, would look completely different. For me, this image speaks of deep thought and contemplation, as well as the still silence that I always attempted to portray in my photography. Imposing order on a chaotic world was my mission when I was active as a nature photographer, and in my world today, these images feel like a healing balm. Flower photography was one of my favorite disciplines in the field of nature photography, and although this image was made in the living room under controlled conditions, it inspires me in the same way my wild flower images do. Beauty is beauty, after all, regardless of where we find it. It’s up to us to seek it out and allow it to heal our hearts and souls. (Canon gear, Fuji Velvia ISO 50)
Silent Pariah 
Absolutely gorgeous , Mike! What a talent you are. Love it, my friend.π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Grace. You really know how to make my day! I appreciate your kindness so much. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome , Mike.π
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beauty this is Mike, and a ray of sunshine in this dark times. It is stunning for the eyes to see, picture perfect my friend. π€©
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, Daphny. Natural beauty brings hope to a troubled world, I think. It may be just a flower, but it speaks loudly that beauty still exists and is worth looking for in our lives. Thank you as always for your kind words. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Mike! True nature do has hope for us and there’s a beauty in it that speaks so much volume. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mike, I like these photographs that come from your make-shift studio. The contrast on them is pretty great. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Mark. I had fun with that little studio set up in the living room. Shooting flowers in the wild is challenging at times due to having little to no control over lighting and wind and background. Studio shooting solves all those problems and allows you to really get some cool shots. Glad you enjoyed this one. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Omigoodness! Between the colors, the lighting, and leaves who won’t be forgotten, this photo reminds me of Caracci’s “Mocking” and of Caravaggio’s “Incredulity” — or, Baroque paintings! (Your last 2 sentences say it all.) Wow — I love this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for such a wonderful comment! I checked out some of Carracci’s and Caravaggio’s work just now and I see what you mean–there’s a unique and distinct directional lighting to their works, plenty of soft shadows. You’ve whetted my interest in exploring more of their work. The lighting in their paintings is surreal and so emotive. I’m glad you enjoyed tis image. Thank you kindly. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank YOU for the carefully set-up beauty. Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful image Mike, I love the atmosphere and light you have created here in your make-shift studio. Isolating the flower in this way shows us the beauty that is always there within π§‘
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Xenia. I really loved the incidental lighting–it created such a tender image with soft shadows and details and an almost dream-like quality. Just a potted plant, a dark blanket and a window, but the end result was so pleasing to my eyes. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
WOW Mike! πβοΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Filipa. I must say, I find myself saying “Wow!’ a lot when I look at your photos and poetry on your blog, too. Beautiful stuff you’ve created. π I’m glad you liked this one. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great minds think alike π
LikeLiked by 1 person
you never now what’s in the darkness! very expressive photographic work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed! Sometimes beauty is born of sorrow; joy grows in the shade of trees; happiness appears, unbidden, in moonlight… As painful as life can be, there is still beauty. I only wish everyone was willing to search for it. Thanks so much for your kind words. It’s so good to see you here again! I’ve missed your thoughtful and introspective comments. π
LikeLike
Itβs so beautiful, Mike: and the simplistic but effective approach to photography is breathtaking. I think creativity doesnβt need too many gadgets to be displayed at its best. Just need the basic equipment and immense talent which of course you have. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Terveen. You really spoil me with your kindness! I’m glad this flower spoke to you. Simple beauty is the best, longest-lasting and most sincere of all. I really appreciate you and your wonderful words. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly likewise Mike. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the beauty and the healing. Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Peggy. I’m fond of all the flower images I have in my collection. They remind me not only of better times past, but better times possibly to come. I’m glad you liked this one. Much appreciated. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
truly stunning, Mike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, David. Glad you enjoyed this one. Flowers are nature’s haiku, I like to say, and they can express things we humans can’t put into words. I always appreciate your kind support and encouragement. π
LikeLike
Stunning, Mike. Itβs hard to imagine flowers looking more gorgeous than they already do, yet you make that happen every time. βΊοΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a bunch, Jeff. There’s something almost sacred about flowers. They’re little drops of perfection in an imperfect world. Everyone should be required to have a flower garden. I wonder what the world would be like if this were the case? Thanks for always being so supportive, good sir. I appreciate it so much. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Youβre welcome, Mike. Itβs always my pleasure. Ah, I like that idea, mandatory flower gardens. Yes, please. βΊοΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful πΊ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I truly appreciate your kind words. π
LikeLike
So beautiful Mike!!! I love that we both posted Yellow today,
Love this too:
“Beauty is beauty, after all, regardless of where we find it. Itβs up to us to seek it out and allow it to heal our hearts and souls”
ππΊπΊπΊ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a bunch, Cindy. So glad you found this flower appealing, as well as my words. Silver linings and all, eh? π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really did. Your capture was sublime with the dark reflections added in as well. Always silver linings for sure!! ππ we just have to remember tro look for them! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sooo beautiful β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
I have a photograph of Lily just like this, on my make-shift studioπ
I ll show you one dayβ¦surely β₯οΈ
β₯οΈβ₯οΈβ₯οΈ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your kind words, and I look forward to seeing your own photograph of a lily! π
LikeLike
Exquisite photo. You definitely succeeded in creating a lovely and soothing image. Eye nectar! Better than candy. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joan. “Eye nectar!” π I like that! Flower photography was probably my favorite discipline back when I was actively involved in nature photography. Nature’s haiku–that’s what I believe flowers to be. Glad you enjoyed this one. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing work! Reminds me of the article I wrote on the lily. Love it, great job!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your kind words (and my apologies for the late reply). I just checked out the article you mentioned. Good stuff, well written and informative, along with some beautiful photos. Well done! π
LikeLike
What a lovely photo!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for your kind comment. Glad to know you enjoyed this image. Much appreciated! π
LikeLiked by 1 person