I was wandering around with my camera yesterday, trying to get a decent picture of my saffron crocuses. I did not succeed, their delicate blue just washes out in the light I have had available.
But I happened to take a fresh look at the zinnias that volunteered in the herb garden, and one of them was posing so beautifully against the gazing ball I have there. I couldn’t resist the invitation to operate the shutter, and here is the result.
What I really love about that photo is the reflection in the gazing ball of all the trees in the back yard. I did not notice them when I was taking the picture, but only when I started cropping it.
I became enthralled with the structure of the zinnia flower, and zoomed in on it. I suspect that the true flowers of this plant are the tiny yellow stars. Anyway, I love this image too.
Gorgeous!
Lovely, and yes, I think you’re right – the ‘true’ petals are the tiny yellow stars and the softer orange coloured ones are sepals. Wonderful photos!
They almost don’t look real! What a pretty coral-y color!
I see from a comment you left on Truce’s blog that Jim is laid up for a bit. I hope he’s doing well!
Oh how wonderful. Those reflections change a standard nature photograph into a work of art. [waving at Truce] Yes, sepals are the big ones and petals are the squidgy ones
the second close up photo of the zinnia would make a great card
~Sue O’Kieffe
Actually, Sue, if you want to know the truth, when I was creating that particular blowup I was thinking “Mandala subject a la Sue O’Kieffe.” Unfortunately, I do not yet have the proper photo editing software so that I can experiment with the instructions you have so kindly posted on how to make mandalas. I am almost afraid to get such software because I fear that I would immediately be welded to my computer as I played with it obsessively.