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In Decline

© Michelle Alton

In Decline

Uploaded: August 09, 2011 02:31:16

Description


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Thistles, in my opinion, don't get the positive attention they deserve. First of all, they are beautiful...purple and green in all their natural glory, attracting gold finches and every passing insect in rainbows of color. I love seeing them clustered, and "dancing" together on roadsides or along river banks, with glistening water bokeh behind.
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This is one past its prime and in decline, but looking magnificent all alone in the sunshine beside the gravel parking lot at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.
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***Nature and Landscapes***
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Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/1000 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 640, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Gregory R. Gaskin August 09, 2011

This is different and something pretty interesting. Hey, how can you not like something that attracts Gold Finches? #1399649

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe August 09, 2011

Thistles are a very cool flower - Great comp and detail Michelle! #9591980

Jack Gaskin August 09, 2011

NOT IN DECLINE, SPREADING THE NEXT GENERATION.

Great Floral Close-up Most Famous MOVIE THISTLE ??

In Brave Heart give to a YOUNG WILLIAM WALLACE at his father & brothers burial... I'm an encyclopedia of useless & worthless knowledge.

Happy Shooting
Jack #9591991

Courtenay Vanderbilt August 09, 2011

Laughing @ Jack! Beautiful comp and details, Michelle! #9592120

Mary Timman August 09, 2011

Wow..I guess I've never seen the beauty in them, but you sure brought out all the beauty in this one and now I will be keeping my eye for them! Fantastic shot Michelle with fabulous clarity and detail! #9592169

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic August 09, 2011

The comp on this is just marvelous Michelle as well as your tone on it. They are really a so soft and delicate looking which you caught so well. #9592172

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic August 09, 2011

Fabulous close up of detail and texture Michelle. You gave this plant a majestic portrait. #9592183

Ron McEwan August 09, 2011

Excellent close up Michelle the lighting is superb.

LOL I had to go back to read my own thread. I did stop and get out of the truck and shot the picture. You know my grammar is well below the normal level; sorry Michelle. #9592271

Monnie Ryan August 09, 2011

Count me as another who absolutely loves thistles in all their stages, Michelle! The composition and detail here are fabulous! #9592336

Kaye Burazin August 09, 2011

I too love thistles. This is simply beautiful Michelle #9592593

Laura E. Swan level-classic August 09, 2011

Well, I am fairly sure this aging thistle is a woman. Isn't that a pretty feathered hat we see there??? I'd say she is still stylin'! HeeHee!

Now to be serious, you did very well here. The softness surrounding your focal point give this image the mood it deserves.

I like Jacks idea. Not dieing but getting ready to spread new life. :) Wish we could ALL be so lucky!!!

-Laura :)

#9592817

Maria Warren level-classic August 09, 2011

very nice photo great detail #9592926

Mike Clime August 09, 2011

Beautiful capture and nice details, Michelle! The finches would love this. #9592968

Rony Sagy August 09, 2011

Oh, this is such a wonderful capture, of a dear subject, Michelle. I think we do share the love for thistles. Those that I meet these days are wrapped in fog and sparkling droplets. #9592988

Renee Doyle August 09, 2011

Very well seen and captured Michelle!!! #9593049

Jyri Vissak August 09, 2011

Art is everywhere! Well done. #9593054

Emile Abbott level-deluxe August 09, 2011

To some it may be in decline but your capture gives it life eternal and beauty at the same time Michelle #9593309

Marijana Fajgl August 09, 2011

What a beautiful capture, Michelle! Love it! #9593326

Barbara Waldoch August 09, 2011

Love the detail, Michelle! #9593399

David Phalen August 09, 2011

Spectacular comp and details!! #9593707

Reynaldo D. Reyes level-classic August 09, 2011

Despite the ageing look and the state of decline, the details shown with the hairy bristles still command fascinating interest. A great hardy plant and so well presented here. #9593835

Tammy Espino August 09, 2011

Awesome details and close up!! #9593901

Terry Cervi level-deluxe August 09, 2011

In decline but still just beautiful, Michelle!! I really like them as well! A gorgeous shot with superb bokeh! #9593946

Rona L. Schwarz August 09, 2011

Terrific capture of a much maligned plant, Michelle! Marvelous details and clarity makes for a very wonderful and interesting composition! I'll have to be on the lookout for these now! #9594105

Ann Coates level-classic August 09, 2011

Terrific capture here Michelle. Maybe next time you might get a Goldfinch or two in the picture too. #9594153

Robert K. Bemus level-classic August 09, 2011

A beautiful late summer image, Michelle!! They are gorgeous in all their life cycles...and have sharp needles...

And thanks to Jack I'll have to watch Braveheart, AGAIN...haha #9594209

Brett Dolsen August 10, 2011

Wonderfull framing,detail and depth Michelle! #9594347

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer August 10, 2011

I so agree with you, Michelle. Thistles ARE beautiful - in every stage. I love the fluffy seeds and this is a beauty. #9594377

John Connolly August 10, 2011

I amm impressed with your thought provoking title here Michelle! A delightful close up with superb detail! #9595765

Deborah C. Lewinson level-addict August 10, 2011

I too love thistles, Michelle, and this is a beautiful capture that makes the thistle look important!

Debby #9596110

Ian M. Hill August 10, 2011

Journey to the western side of Melbourne Michelle and you will find plenty of thistles,they do have a certain beauty and you have captured it well. #9596123

Ermanno Radice August 13, 2011

Beautiful capture, wonderful colors, details and DOF! #9600906

Joanna Madloch August 24, 2011

It's really beautiful, Michelle. #9624747

Larry A. Cameron level-classic August 30, 2011

Nice focus with blurry background, nice capture.I believe your thistle is bigger than what we have in midwest. I believe best place to find butterflies, other insects and small birds for photography is a field of thistles. #9643772

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