Shadow of the Lotus
Uploaded: September 17, 2009
Nelumba Nucifera
Sometimes referred to as a water lily by mistake, the lotus is actually a very different plant. Long regarded as a sacred flower in the far east, it is one of few plant species on the Earth which can regulate its own temperature.
The flowers, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are all edible and are popular as menu items in India, China, Japan and Vietnam (although it's recommended that you cook them first, to avoid potential parasites).
The plants have also been employed for medicinal use, both in Asia and among Native Americans. In many cultures, lotus flowers have a mystical significance, representing purity and virtue. Because the blooms close at night and sink beneath the water - they re-emerge with the returning of the sun - they have long symbolized renewal and creation. Its seeds have been found to remain viable for many decades - even centuries; researchers found they could grow lotus plants from seeds entombed in Egypt, dating back 1300 years!
Exif: F Number: 11, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/250 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 55.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Nadya Johnson September 17, 2009
Although they're often seen in water-gardens, lotuses grow wild in the marshlands adjacent to the Mississippi River here in northern Illinois. They bloom late in summer and are usually at their peak in late July, forming "meadows" of white along the shores which in places, stretch across the wetlands for as far as you can see. The best way to photograph them is by boat, but this was taken at the marsh's edge. #1181514
Melissa G. Meiselman September 17, 2009
Wonderful facts about the lotus plant, Nadya!! This is a wonderful shot with dramatic light and shadows, terrific greens and great shot of that single lotus. I did not know they have medicinal value, either!!! #7951153Val Feldman September 17, 2009
Amazing flower and amazing facts behind it, Nadya - this is just wonderful with it's beautiful lighting, all the lotus leaves and single bloom reaching for the sun, the shadows dispersed thruout - all makes for one stunning capture! Just superb! #7951202Ellen Hodges September 17, 2009
Very pretty pov and lighting, Nadya! #7951227Janet Daniel September 17, 2009
Very beautiful capture & interesting info, Nadya! A wonderful presentation! #7951284Monnie Ryan September 17, 2009
Really love what you've done with this, Nadya -- it's beautiful! and thanks for the information, too! #7951391Mike Clime September 17, 2009
Excellent capture! Like the light and shadows! #7951451Robert R. Goodman September 17, 2009
Hi Nadya,Beautiful capture.The desert star is just starting bloom now.Wonderful effects on this image!!!! #7951464Nadya Johnson September 17, 2009
Thank you Melissa, Valarie, Ellen, Janet, Monnie, Mike and Bobby for your wonderful comments! This is yet another photo which looks very different on my laptop than it does on the desktop (where I posted it): much dimmer on the laptop, I'm afraid. One of these days I will figure this out! LOL. #7951514Ray Clarke September 17, 2009
Great light and shadows Nadya, beautiful image Nadya.!!!(R) #7951585Tammy M. Anderson September 17, 2009
Beautiful composition and capture of lighting, Nadya. #7951751A P September 17, 2009
Lovely capture and interesting facts Nadya #7951814Nadya Johnson September 17, 2009
Thank you R&A, Tammy and Ann! #7951894Ron McEwan September 17, 2009
I seen these in Korea and was fascinated by them and still am. Like the way you used the light here Nadya, made an interesting capture and the lone bloom is a plus in this case. Well done as usual. #7952033Laura E. Swan September 17, 2009
What fascinating information, Nadya, and I love your image of the Lotus plant...It has such a 3D feel to it.One of my favorite body oils is Egyptian Lotus. It's so hard to find the real deal and smells DIVINE! I still have some!!! It's precious to me. How wonderful to be able to see a lotus plant...Imagine seeds that still have life after 1300 years! AMAZING!
Awesome. All of it!
-Laura #7952143
David Phalen September 17, 2009
I didn't know that! :) Fantastic light, shadows, shapes, colors and details!! Love It!! #7952271Tammy Espino September 17, 2009
This is really something to see! And learned something new too!! Stunning capture. #7952346Nadya Johnson September 17, 2009
Thanks so much Ron, Laura, Dave and Tammy! #7952579Stefania Barbier September 17, 2009
I think these are more fresh than those in egyptian tombs... :-) beautiful Nadya! #7952699Kirsten Kiki Kjaer September 18, 2009
Wonderful use of light, Nadya. An enchanting image. #7952742Nadya Johnson September 18, 2009
Thank you Stef and Kirsten! #7954527Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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