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Artichoke Flower

© Leslie D. Regal

Artichoke Flower

Uploaded: June 09, 2011

Description

Although this looks like a sea anemone, it's actually what you get if you don't eat the artichoke.

Exif: F Number: 11, Exposure Bias Value: -0.50, ExposureTime: 1/10 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 165.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D

Comments

Michael Kelly level-classic June 09, 2011

Leslie a very nice macro. I love the POV you chose and I think the black BGs always work well for this type shot. Detail and DOF are very good.

I might try brightening the shot just slightly. A low opacity screen blend or simple levels adjustment may be the ticket here. I think it will give it a little more pop just don't go to far as you have achieve a good soft feel and it looks good as is. #1383934

Michelle Alton June 09, 2011

I actually wouldn't touch it...but that may be because this doesn't look precisely the same on two people's monitors. For me it is perfect; I never saw an artichoke flower...Now I want to grow some! But I'd just eat it. #9452418

Debbie E. Payne June 09, 2011

I love this, Leslie. It reminds me of a picture I took a while back when I had pincushion flowers in my backyard. Did you happen to grow this from an artichoke and if so can you please tell us about the care and planting of an artichoke flower. #9452446

Leslie D. Regal June 09, 2011

Mike, thanks--I'm going to try your suggestion. I've realized recently that I like shots on the dark side, a personal preference, and then when I lighten them I can see the improvement. Or not. I'll try it.

Michelle, thank you. I'd never seen an artichoke flower, but I also know I'd probably never let it get past the eating stage either!

Debbie, this is in my friend's very lush garden. She's grows all manner of vegetables and flowers (not to mention chickens) and she told me I had to come see the artichoke. She was right. The stalk is about 7 feet tall--my tripod was fully extended and I was still a little below the top. You can't tell from the shot, but the flower is about 8 inches at it's widest. It's weird and wonderful. #9452663

Stephen Shoff June 09, 2011

I like the rich blue color in this along with the colors in the base. Its a very nice shot. I think my preference, however, would have been for a deep DOF.

You might consider cloning or cropping out the band of brown in the upper left. It seems out of place to me. Cropping might be better. That would also take care of the bright leaf right at the lower left edge and busy-ness in the bottom left corner. #9453043

Jodi M. Walsh June 10, 2011

wow, I look at this and expect to see a little clown fish popping out. i'm still amazed that it's a flower.

i love the blue color and think this is lovely.

very cool! #9453573

Aimee C. Eisaman June 10, 2011

It is quite beautiful and I just love the color! It almost seems to glow and I hope that maybe some added contrast would enhance that feel. I agree with Stephen that the upper left could use some cloning. Did you allow this to happen on purpose? :~) #9453741

Dale Hardin June 10, 2011

You have a real winner here Leslie. Have never seen one of these but would love to. Love Jodi's response about the little clown fish. You KNOW I would do it in a heartbeat! :o)

Agree on the cloning of the upper left. #9453899

Jeff E Jensen June 11, 2011

Yup, very cool! Next year I'm gonna add artichokes to my garden.

I agree on the brown spot in the corner. #9455183

Anthony L. Mancuso June 11, 2011

Everybody has summed this one up pretty well Leslie, definitely thought it was an aquarium shot til I read your caption. I also agree with Mike and Stephen's suggestions. Would like to see Aimee's too... #9455588

Rita K. Connell level-classic June 12, 2011

congratulation on your EP I can see why this one pick. love the blue color and I too thought it was part of aquarium. I do think the brown left corner should go. my eyes went right to it. totally cool leslie I really like this one. #9457089

Beth Spencer June 12, 2011

This is an awesome capture!! I have never seen one of these! Do you have any other pictures that show the whole thing?
Great Job! #9457253

Teresa H. Hunt June 16, 2011

Wow, I really love the color on this one. I thought it was a sea anemone until I read your caption. You've gotten some great suggestions so I'll just sit back :)

Congrats on the EP #9464128

Susan M. Reynolds level-addict July 13, 2011

Kudos on the EP, Leslie! It is lovely and I've never seen an artichoke flower before either and it does look amazingly like a sea anemone! Nicely done ~ It feels so good to get back to commenting. I can't believe how long it's been since I've commented and posted photos with the group...Love you all and thanks for being patient!
#9527903

Carolyn McIntosh November 02, 2011

My first thought was that it was some sea creature as well . . . . congrats on the Editor's Pick . . #9779664

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