The Challenge of Orchids

Orchids. They're beautiful, colorful, peaceful, strong, vibrant...they're special. And they're kind of a pain in the butt to photograph for macro or close-up photography! Why, you may ask?

"Limb" chops.

Too much to keep in focus.

Too hard to accurately capture the vibrant reds, pinks, and purples.

The whites are blown out.

The angles are weird.

Too big.

Too small.

Too close to other blooms on the same plant (also read as "HOW can I possibly get a SOLO shot!!!!")etc.

In other words...I have too many (uninspired) orchid photos that look like this:

Well, I've come to realize something...the more I photograph orchids, the more I realize that while yes, there is much beauty in their details, there is also an abundance of beauty in how to relate to their environment. And that allows me to enjoy photographing them in a way that's not traditional macro.

They are graceful.

They are delicate.

They are unique.

They reach for the light.

They basically make best friends with their surrounding plants.

They are beautiful from ALL angles...

They are never afraid to show their true colors to the world.