Teeny Tiny.......but I'd like an I.D. !

Gallery: FloraPosted July 14, 20041,541 views8 comments

This little blossom is maybe 1cm across. FOr the most part each blossom appeared right on the end of a grass-like stalk...and there was normally just one, although here you can see another one just behind the one that is open.

Any idea what direction I should be looking in to get an ID??

It was heavily overcast today so I had to shoot slow and high ISO so I know there is noise in this.

Canon 10D, Sigma 180mm handheld available light 1/125s f3.5 ISO 400.
Cropped a bit off the top and cloned a few plant bits out of the bottom.

Thanks!

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Ronnie Gaubert on July 14, 2004 at 11:26 PM

Robert,

Nice job on the composition. I like that you avoided the temtation of getting in close on the flower. Staying back and placing the flower off center makes for a very appealing image. I also think the strong colors of the flower against the matte look of the background really enhances this shot, well done.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 810 Posts, 3495 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Stahlke on July 15, 2004 at 12:06 AM

Hi Robert,

I can't help with the ID but I do like that little flower. Nice composition and background. The unopened bud adds to this image. I like it.

Cheers,

Registered on November 1, 2003, 97 Posts, 782 Comments

Comment posted by Skip Layman on July 15, 2004 at 7:53 AM

Very nice shot of a Depford Pink, (Dianthus armeria), a European import which has become invasive in some areas.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 558 Posts, 1704 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Ganz on July 15, 2004 at 9:42 AM

Thankyou all and thankyou Skip for the ID help.

How do you start on flower ID's? I can follow insect taxonomy literature, but haven't checked for anything similar for plants.

Cheers,

Registered on November 1, 2003, 339 Posts, 759 Comments

Comment posted by Skip Layman on July 15, 2004 at 3:36 PM

Robert,
Plant taxonomy is tricky to say the least. There are no agreed upon common names, and guide books can only cover a small percentage of the flowers in a given area. If I really get stuck, I use Grays Manual of Botany to key it out and that involves a degree in Botany and a lot of time. There are some good guide books out there, but realize they will not cover every flower you may run across. Try to find a book that organizes by plant family rather than by color, since flower color can vary (see my posting of a white bluebell for example) Invest a little time learning the characteristics of the common plant families and it can go a long way in making you more proficient in plant identification.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 558 Posts, 1704 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Ganz on July 15, 2004 at 3:46 PM

Thankyou for responding Skip!
I think I will do some reading.....mainly because it bothers me to know end when I don't know the identity of what I am shooting....bug or flower!

Cheers,

Registered on November 1, 2003, 339 Posts, 759 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Hudon on July 15, 2004 at 5:00 PM

I really like the flower just floating out there!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 315 Posts, 2246 Comments

Comment posted by Julia Flanagan on July 15, 2004 at 7:53 PM

Robert,
A very good plant guide that doesn't require a phD and covers your region and southward is "Newcomb's Wildflower Guide" by Lawrence Newcomb. It will help with most wildlfowers and a few vines and shrubs.
Deptford pink is a favorite of mine, despite being alien. Nice shot! It shows off the speckles, expanding flower bud and gives the concept of the vegetative parts well too.

Julie

Registered on November 13, 2003, 59 Posts, 986 Comments