The Nerve Optic

Pride of Barbados September 25, 2009

Stunning colors counter the softer greens

This bloom from a “Pride of Barbados” plant shows how brilliantly contrasting colors can deliver almost three dimensional qualities.  This image, shot with a Pentax DA* 16-50 lens, is wide open at f2.8.  This wide iris allows the bokeh to really go creamy just a few inches behind.  The regularly repeating pattern of fern-like leaves lends an interesting composition to the rest of the photo.

What what’s cool about this is the contrast of color, the explosion of warmth that separates the bloom from the leaves.  Shot on an early fall evening in weakening light.