FLOWERS

As a wildlife photographer I find flowers to be a relaxing break from action. Flowers are as intricate and varied as any subject in nature, and at least they don't run or fly away just as you get them into focus! The main challenges with flowers are the wind and the proper depth of field. Individual flowers tend to look their best when separated from their background by appropriate blur, while groups of flowers need lots of depth of field. When done right, photographs of flowers can cheer your day and add some romance to your life.

SHOWY LADY'S SLIPPER The Showy Lady's Slipper can be a common flower of boggy areas. Unfortunately, appropriate boggy areas are increasingly hard to find. Growing up to a meter (3 feet) in height, it is one of the most elegant and spectacular flowers of the northwoods.
PRAIRIE CROCUS (ANEMONE PATENS) The prairie crocus, or anemone, is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in Spring. Sometimes it actually pushes it's way through remnants of snow cover. Although the flower usually occurs in shades of pinkish purple, the one pictured here is the much rarer white variant.
DUTCHMAN'S BRITCHES. Dutchman's britches are gradually being choked out of their native habitat in Southern Ontario by invasive exotics. Let's hope they don't disappear altogether.
BLEEDING HEART The bleeding heart may be a common garden flower, but it is uncommon in its beauty. The flowers really do look like little hearts ready to captivate your own with their simple elegance.
MARSH MARIGOLD The marsh marigold is one of the earlier Spring blossoms. It loves the edges of swamps and creeks, wet areas in the woodlands, and even ditches that remain wet for lengthy periods. It grows in masses creating a wonderful golden glow wherever it blooms.

STRAWBERRY CACTUS FLOWERS. A few years ago I was photographing on a ranch in Texas for several months. It hadn't rained there for about 8 months, but for many weeks the strawberry cacti were covered in buds that wouldn't open. Then, one day it rained 4 inches, and almost overnight the desert came alive. Blossoms were everywhere for a few days, and the effect was simply mind-blowing.
Showy Lady's Slipper 1/ 200s, at f/9 || E.Comp:-4 / 6 || 140mm || WB: AUTO-3. || ISO: 200 || Tone: AUTO || Sharp: AUTO || Camera: NIKON D2Hon: 2004:07:07 11:36:03
WILD MORNING GLORY. The morning glory is aptly named: it opens in the early morning and closes or fades away with the strengthening sun. Fleeting beauty can be more moving than flowers that bloom for weeks.

BLEEDING HEART. Three guesses as to how the flower got its name!