Nature's perfect gift ...

Posted by Ron (Saint Louis, United States) on 22 May 2008 in Plant & Nature.

The first peony of the season ... and I do believe it may just be perfect!

Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada

I think you are right Ron. It is a beautiful peony and you have caught it at just the perfect time with the dew drops and either the morning or evening sun. Just beautiful.

22 May 2008 5:24am

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Hong Kong

A lovely composition and vibrant colors, Ron. The DOF is just right and the dew droplets an added bonus.

22 May 2008 5:40am

dobbino from Cape Town, South Africa

Definitely perfect! You look like you're having a magical Spring - we are well into our Fall - more like Winter already.

22 May 2008 5:43am

@dobbino: Thanks Rob. Definitely a magical spring ... the wettest on record, and, therefore, everything is greener than green!

Observing from Chester, United Kingdom

Fabulous frame filling example of the peony Ron, the defocussed background, and the shadow lower left really enhance this image.

22 May 2008 7:35am

Betty from New Jersey, United States

It is absolutely perfect... excellent composition and color. Wonderful with the dew still on the flower. Very well done, Ron!

22 May 2008 10:01am

Illuci from Hurdegaryp, Netherlands

Very well-to-do flower :). Great light effect on the color.

22 May 2008 10:19am

Michael Rawluk from Prince George, Canada

I like the beautiful composition and the light is at a perfect angle. Gorgeous flower.

22 May 2008 11:35am

Pavla from Saint James City, United States

I love the peony!
My favorite flower.... and this one may indeed just be perfect!

22 May 2008 1:35pm

dee from Innsbruck, Austria

Perfect lighting .... it emphasizes the beautiful tones.

22 May 2008 2:12pm

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

Lovely.

22 May 2008 2:26pm

amy from Rocky Mountain House, Canada

Look at that amazing light and dew you've captured!! Outstanding, Ron!!

22 May 2008 2:38pm

Alun Lambert from cheshire, United Kingdom

love the lighting, realy nice image

22 May 2008 2:54pm

Eleftheria, 9 years old, from Athens, Greece

Fantastic!

22 May 2008 4:01pm

Marcie from United States

Beautiful peony!!
Especially love the way its set against the dark background.

22 May 2008 5:25pm

Graham Russon from Cape Town, South Africa

As perfect as your photo, magnificent shot Ron. The lighting on this is particularly incredible. Nice one.

22 May 2008 7:35pm

danthro from Suburbia, United States

great shot! beautiful soft light, color and texture. nice DOF too

22 May 2008 7:38pm

Tilala from Bordeaux, France

Beautiful flower !

22 May 2008 8:06pm

Chris from South Jersey, United States

Beautiful - ours are almost ready to bloom and I can't wait to shoot them!! I love how you captured the dew on the petals - really well done.

22 May 2008 8:38pm

Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom

What a breathtaking bloom that is . . wow . . looks perfect to me.

22 May 2008 9:57pm

akarui from Kagoshima, Japan

Nice colors and petals. You did use a main diagonale which is good but the green in the low-right works against this framing. You could try different variations cutting in many different places and see if there is an other framing that you like better.

22 May 2008 11:01pm

Andrew Gould from Sydney, Australia

Beautiful detail here and an excellent composition.. You really make this come alive! (You've praised me on my street photos, but I can tell you, Ron, I could never do this!)

23 May 2008 12:08pm