Mexican Bird of Paradise

[MichaelSoE]

Caesalpinia Pulcherrima


I would have liked to have done some focus stacking to get the tip of the flower spike but there always seems to be a gentle breeze putting that possibility into the problem solving file. I could have cut the flowers off and shot inside but maybe at some later date.

Typically the flowers of the plant are a solid deep red or a vibrant yellow. The one I have I chanced upon while living in Aruba. It was a scraggly shrub with lovely pink flowers that had pale yellow fringes. I liberated 2 seed pods, went home and planted them. I came back to the states with 3 seed pods in my luggage (please do not turn me into customs) I had forgotten about them until I discovered them while rummaging through odd items about the house.

I planted a few of the seeds in the spring and now have 3 doing quite well. 14 years of just sitting in their pods and there were still a few viable seeds. All praises to Mother Nature.

A different point of view ... too much background clutter for my liking though

[secondwind]

1. What a beautiful flower, never heard of it... thanks for posting!

[flamin lib]

2. Exceptional as always.

I'n not sure the extra depth of field in a studio would be worth the compromise of giving up the context of background. The soft light and 'fade to black' of the shadows add a lot to picture. 'Course nothing like having both! Particularly if it makes a good cut flower.

Glad to see ya' back and hope recovery from the storm goes well.

[MichaelSoE]

3. No storm ... just kinda going back into lurking mode

[Ferrets are Cool]

4. If you don't like the background, you can always get some poster paper with the

color of your choice and put behind the subject. Instant background. Or, if you have the money, buy this.

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=silver+reflector&qid=1606313686&sr=8-3

[flamin lib]

5. Yeah backgrounds are easy but I have to agree with Gato, the wind never stops blowing

so using focus stacking is not always an option.

Oh, and I found a diffuser for outdoor macro. Technical name is 'scrim' and goes between the sun and subject to soften the light. Just like the product you showed but only 12" across and folds to 3". Was about $5.

[Pobeka]

6. First photo, I like this better than what focus stacking would have done.

Because thing that draws me in is the really cool flower with the white fringe, yellow center and long stamens. Having the tips of the other flowers OOF helps a lot keeping the cool flower separated from the background.

Just my opinion...
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Now I'll have to keep an eye out for Mexican bird of paradise flowers, it's lovely and unusual.

Thanks for sharing. Your secret is safe with me