Tag: phipps conservatory

Project 365 | Day 78 My Photographic Nemesis

For today I am posting what I refer to as my nemesis in photography.Octopus 3  I have been trying to photograph this cactus for many years and just have never been satisfied with the results.  I have shot it from every angle, during every season, and just don’t seem to capture the darn thing the way I see it.  I’ve tried just photographing parts of it, the whole thing, and sometimes I try putting in the background of another cactus.

Octopus 2

And yet again during this trip to Phipps Conservatory I have attempted to capture this cactus and I may have finally at least come close to what I’m looking for but still just not there.  I don’t know if it’s just the way the arms go in every direction and always seem to be in the wrong place or if it just doesn’t like having its picture taken.

I would love to hear your opinions on this cactus and let me know if you have any subject that just seems to elude you in your work.

Project 365 | Day 76 The Majestic Orchid

As promised in yesterdays post I will be showing you what I feel is the most fascinating flower that I have ever photographed.  The orchid has held my attention for years now and every chance that I get I photograph them.  There is just something about them that really catches my eye and trying to portray those qualities in photography has become a quest for me.

Fun Facts about orchids:

When you look at an orchid you might think to yourself how delicate these flowers are, but in fact they live on every continent in the world except Antarctica.  They range in size from about the size of a fingernail to the largest weighing in at several hundred pounds.  They can live upwards of 100 years and their seeds are among the smallest in the world.  Orchids have become the most popular household plant of all time.

Phipps Conservatory

Luckily in my area we have botanical garden that has many different orchids on display and I make several trips there to photograph them every year.  The place that I’m referring to is Phipps Conservatory.

In this evenings post I’m going to show you a couple of different orchids and please don’t request their names.  I’m just an admirer of the flowers not a botanist.

White Orchid

Of the orchids that I’m going to show you the white orchid is one of my favorites.  This one was shot with available light and I just love the way the light highlights the edges and center of the flower.

Pink Orchid

The next orchid that I really enjoy is the one on the left here.  The pale pink cooler and the bright yellow of the center really make for a great color combination.

Green Slipper

The example that you see here is another very interesting type of orchid. I think that it is referred to as a slipper as it kinda looks like a shoe.  The way this orchid has its bottom lip is designed as a landing platform for pollinators and in the case of this type of orchid a trap for its prey.

OrchidAnd last but certainly not least is just a beautiful example of a delicate purple orchid.

I hope you have enjoyed looking and reading a little about the flowers that I find so very fascinating.  And maybe next time you see one of these majestic flowers you’ll take a moment and really enjoy their beauty.

Do you have a flower you find to be most interesting?  I would love to hear from you about your favorite flowers.

Project 365 | Day 75 Major Construction

Today the photography club that I belong took a trip to Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh.  We had a really great time and got some nice photos.  I have been going to Phipps for many years and always find something new and interesting to photograph.  Today was no different.

Todays photo is a contraction site from the miniature railroad display that Phipps puts on every year.  Over the years I have become fascinated with the displays and always look forward to going there to photograph them.  Since I was with my group I didn’t get to spend the time that I normally would have with the trains, but I can say that I will be returning soon.  And hopefully you all will enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post of what I think may be the most fascinating flower that I have ever photographed.

What are your thought about the model train display in todays photo?

Train

Working Up a Sweat

Tonight my post is of a flower that just looked like it was working hard.  I thought the water droplets and flush colors made it look as though it had just finished a tough workout and was ready for a cool drink.

Working up a Sweat