Morning Beauty

Uploaded: August 11, 2007 04:48:28

Description

EF100, f/2.8, 1/3200th Second, -2/3ev, ISO100, RAW, tripod
My thanks go out to an unknown photographer roaming Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens;
only after I shot several images of this misted lotus, feeling so lucky to find dew remaining in the heat,
did I notice a woman across the lily ponds with a large spray bottle of water hooked on her belt.
9/07 Winner, Flowers

Comments

Jennifer L. Alder August 11, 2007

WOW!!! Chris, this is GORGEOUS! Wonderful light, detail, color and angle--love it! :) #711634

Joy Rector August 11, 2007

spectacular #4631939

Dolly L. Davis August 11, 2007

Excellent capture, Christopher! Stunning! Love it! #4631941

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict August 11, 2007

This is lovely Christopher, love thise tiny details...Dominick #4631942

Holly Shao August 11, 2007

Excellent capture and looks so beautiful, Chris!! Love the lighting, details, and composition!

Holly #4631980

Dr Silly level-classic August 11, 2007

Beautiful, Chris. :O)
#4631988

Les Rhoades level-classic August 11, 2007

Are you trying to lock up all the awards befroe I get my new lens! This is one of your best seen to date. big WOW factor! #4632099

Susie Peek-Swint August 11, 2007

Simply stunning Chris ~ I sometimes remember to take along a spray bottle but not often needed over here ~ lol! #4632668

Sherry L. Davis August 11, 2007

Terrific capture, Christopher! WOW! I love it! #4634614

Mary N C. Taitt August 11, 2007

WOW! How terrific! These last few have been AMAZING! love the color and clarity.

Funny comment about Dr. S's negative space one, too, LOL! #4634724

Jillian Danielson August 12, 2007

Chris,, this is just awesome!!! Great color!! #4635230

Nikki McDonald level-classic August 12, 2007

Oh, Chris, no wonder you're so excited. This is exquisite. I absolutely love the depth of field here with the crystal clear jewelled center petals rising from the golden glow and cradled in the rosy softness. You might want to hold a few of these back for September instead of competing so fiercely against yourself :) #4635736

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 12, 2007

Thank you all so much!
Les, I can only hope I'm locking up a few ;)
Nikki, I may be looking at some resubmits in late September, perhaps! #4635854

Mick Burkey August 12, 2007

Fantastic work, Chris! Love the colors and detail. You're doing some great close-up work with the flowers, my friend! #4638129

Ronald F. Fischer August 12, 2007

Beautiful capture! #4638477

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 12, 2007

Thank you both, guys! #4638570

Sylvia Rossler August 16, 2007

Loll...your story reminds me of my spider-web-chasing-days, I used to carry around a spraybottle too in case I find a beautiful web :O)
Love the lighting of your superb close up Chris !! #4657505

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 16, 2007

Thanks so much, Sylvia. I must remember that, for when I go out on flower/nature shoots again! #4657646

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 24, 2007

This really is beautiful Christopher!! #4694698

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 25, 2007

Thank you, Donna! #4695340

Michelle L. Frick September 01, 2007

Beautiful Christopher, and definitely worth a second look! Gorgeous light and details! #4733184

Julie Pflug September 01, 2007

Wow Christopher... incredibly beautiful! Color, clarity, lighting, crop... it's perfect! #4734105

Sam Britt September 01, 2007

Excellent color, lighting & detail, Christopher. Beautiful image. #4734137

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 02, 2007

I really appreciate it, Michelle, Julie & Sam! Fingers crossed for this resubmit! #4735570

Nikki McDonald level-classic September 06, 2007

So very pleased to see the EP on this resub, Chris. Totally an oversight the first time around and I expect it to go all the way. Would love to see it bring in the gold for you. Your faith in this beauty is an inspiration for me. #4754207

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 06, 2007

I'm happy, too, Nikki! I'm a firm believer in resubmitting an image you feel strongly about! #4754543

Kara L. Hendricks September 09, 2007

Woohoo... I am thrilled to see an EFP on this one Chris!! Hope it goes REAL gold...:) #4769130

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 10, 2007

;) You and me both!! Thanks! #4771037

Nikki McDonald level-classic October 24, 2007

Way to go, Chris!! Congratulations on this absolutely stunning finalist. Here's hoping for more . . . #4974440

Susan M. Hembree October 24, 2007

Fantastic, Chris! Congratulations! #4974987

Michelle L. Frick October 24, 2007

Congratulations Chris! More evidence that resubbing works!! #4975033

Pat Gamwell October 24, 2007

Well deserved Finalist, Chris! CONGRATS! #4975432

Les Rhoades level-classic October 25, 2007

OMG!! 101 is taking all the prizes in the flower category.
Congratulations on your flower finalist. From our group, I think we have 6+ flowers in the finals. Good Luck...I aspire to win! LOL

#4976487

Katarina Mansson October 25, 2007

That morning in the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens really paid off - another congrats on a beautiful finalist Chris! #4976848

Carla Metzler October 25, 2007

Congratulations on your finalist, Chris!
Gorgeous image! #4978574

Colleen Farrell October 25, 2007

Fabulous, Chris! Congratulations on your finalist! #4979295

Susan Fox October 25, 2007

How could I not have commented on this yet??? The detail is exquisite! I hope it moves on to the next round. Congrats Chris! #4982301

Joy L. Barber October 25, 2007

gorgeous....love the color, comp and the droplets #4982795

Patricia (Pat) C. Exum October 26, 2007

Chris,

Congratualations on the finalist!

Beautiful deep pink color. Good luck in the next go round.

Pat #4984108

Gail Vitikacs level-classic October 26, 2007

Beautiful! Congratulations! #4986529

John Caruso October 26, 2007

Rock on Chris! Here's to your big first place win! #4986670

Nikki McDonald level-classic October 26, 2007

I am sooo pleased to see this, Chris. What an honor! Love it. Congratulations for your first place win! #4986685

Sharon Day October 26, 2007

Big congratulations, Chris!!! WTG on placing 1st!!! Gorgeous image too! #4986741

Diane Davis October 26, 2007

Congratulations Chris!! It really is a beauty! #4986773

Susan M. Hembree October 26, 2007

Alright, Chris! Congratulations on your beautiful 1st Place! #4986776

Michelle L. Frick October 26, 2007

Congratulations Chris!!! Way to go!! #4986867

Cesar J. La Rosa October 26, 2007

Big Congratulations, Chris, on this WONDERFUL Winner!!! A very well-deserved recognition.
Cesar #4987007

Cyn Valentine October 26, 2007

Beautiful Chris..congratulations on your win!! #4987014

Gail Vitikacs level-classic October 26, 2007

TERRIFIC CHRIS!!! Way to go! #4987039

Carla Metzler October 26, 2007

Congratulations on your win, Chris! #4987110

Bob Cournoyer level-classic October 26, 2007

Congratulations, Chris, on your winner!!!

Bob #4987330

Crystal L. Craig October 26, 2007

Fabulous image Christopher! And a huge congratulations for this well deserved win! #4987528

Susan Fox October 26, 2007

Well it's about time you got another win :-)

The image is spectacular, stunning,
stupendous....

Congratulations Chris!!!! A well deserved 1st place win! #4987622

Mick Burkey October 26, 2007

WAY TO GO!!!

I am so glad this image won 1st Place. Congratulations, my friend, on a wonderful, well-deserved win. And here's to many more. #4987816

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 26, 2007

You all know how to make a guy smile from ear to ear! I just got home tonite, from a week on the road to find this staggering surprise! I'm still in a state of stunned giddiness at this win; I'm just thrilled that it made it!
Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement, going back to the first entry (August--no luck!)
And my thanks again to folks at the Gaithersburg Camera Club (Pat, Don, Tom) for telling me about Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in the first place. And last, but not least, that anonymous photographer who sprayed this lotus with her water bottle, minutes before I arrived! ;) #4987919

Donna La Mattino Pagakis October 26, 2007

Very nice winning image Chris, a huge congratulations!!! #4988030

Colleen Farrell October 26, 2007

Way to go, Chris! Big congratulations on your First Place Win!!! #4988232

eileen bedford October 26, 2007

Congratulations on your win Chris... #4988254

Nadya Johnson October 26, 2007

OUTSTANDING Christopher, in all respects! Congratulations on your stunning First Place Winner! #4988615

Les Rhoades level-classic October 26, 2007

Congrats on the BIG WIN! I knew tis was going to get GOLD.....in a very large way! #4988954

Katarina Mansson October 27, 2007

Chris - big, big, BIG congrats on this first place win!!! #4989225

Wally Orlowsky October 27, 2007

Congratulations on this well-deserved First-Place win, Chris! #4989581

Holly Shao October 27, 2007

Congratulations on your win, Chris!! Great image!

Holly #4989659

Donna W. Neal October 27, 2007

Amazing, love it Chris. That was me out at Kennlworth...:) No not really but I did get out there this year

Congratulations on a well deserved Winner #4989777

RC Fritz October 27, 2007

Wonderful, lighting and detail, Christopher. Congratulations! #4990321

Nancy (Peaches) Harker October 27, 2007

Beautiful, BIG Congrats Chris! #4990495

Lorri Shane October 27, 2007

The detail, color, comp and perfect repetition of dew on this flower makes it a winner. Nice job, Chris, and CONGRATULATIONS on your 1st place win. #4990646

Cary Rogers October 27, 2007

Big CONGRATS Chris!!! Gorgeous image! #4990959

Claudia Kuhn level-classic October 27, 2007

Simply gorgeous Chris, big congrats on your first place win!! #4991068

Michael S. Swaffar October 27, 2007

I'm so proud of you! I knew this was gold. Huge congratulations to you buddy. #4991635

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 27, 2007

Thank you all so much, for taking a look at this, and the warm congratulations! I am still (yes, still) beaming today; when I worked at the cathedral today, I had to share the news with everyone there... So the excitement hasn't worn off, which is so nice! Thanks again! #4992450

Sylvia Rossler October 28, 2007

You can be really proud of this beautiful shot and well deserved winner Chris !! Big Big congrats :O) #4994856

Lynn Haack October 28, 2007

WOW...what a beautiful, pristine floral. A BIG CONGRATS to you, christopher, for this well-deserved first place WINNER!! WTG!!! Lynn #4995936

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 28, 2007

Thank you both, Sylvia & Lynn! #4996756

October 28, 2007

Congratulations, Christopher.
It is beautiful, definitely deserving to be a winner. #4997032

Roger Fry October 28, 2007

Just amazing Christopher !

Roger #4997065

Anna Diederich October 29, 2007

Congratulations on your beautiful first place win, Christopher! #4997995

Jenny Bosmans October 29, 2007

Congratulations on this super winner, Chris! :) #4998430

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 29, 2007

Many thanks, Jenny, Anna, Roger & Rebecca! I'm honored to have won, in a category of so many beautiful images! #4998815

Don Johnson level-classic October 29, 2007

A first place! A first place! Way to go Chris. A beautiful, beautiful photo! #4998932

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 29, 2007

Thanks, Don! You know first hand how excited I am right now!! :) #4999055

Robert Baer October 29, 2007

Chris
CONGRATULATIONS for your first prize win. That is a huge honor for a wonderful well-deserving image. You have come a long way from the National Cathedral in subject. #4999872

Datha Y. Thompson October 29, 2007

WOW!! BIG Congrats to you on your First Place Win Chris!!! Gorgeous work!!! :0) #5000827

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic October 29, 2007

Congratulations on this beautiful, well-deserved 1st Place WINNER!
--Lisa #5001987

abdullah S. Al-zaid October 29, 2007

Beautiful photo, Congratulations Christopher !! #5002659

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 30, 2007

I really appreciate it, Justin, Datha, Lisa & Abdullah; thanks so much! #5003841

Dr Silly level-classic October 30, 2007

I'm a little slow this month, but congratulations on your Gold Chris. :O)
#5005723

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 31, 2007

Thanks so much, Doc! #5008579

Carol Teal November 01, 2007

Chris, I am behind too! Congrats on your wonderful first place win!! #5016858

Corinne M. Thompson November 02, 2007

BIG congrats to you for this one Chris! #5021502

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 03, 2007

Thank you both, Carol & Corinne, very much! #5024354

AMALIA Veralli November 05, 2007

Awesome image. Congrats on your win! #5029263

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 05, 2007

Thank you, Amalia #5029668

Nikki McDonald level-classic August 19, 2008

This is one of my favorite of your photos and a special win for you so I thought it was a good place to wish you a very happy birthday, Chris. #6331540

Susie Peek-Swint August 19, 2008

This is indeed a beautiful capture Chris ~ and the perfect place to wish you a very happy birthday ~ have a great day in the big apple! #6331621

Bob Cournoyer level-classic August 19, 2008

Happy Birthday, Chris.... :-) #6332067

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 19, 2008

Thanks, folks, for the birthday wishes! #6334112

Shelly A. Van Camp level-classic September 23, 2008

Beautiful! #6501794

Chris Budny level-deluxe September 27, 2008

Thank you Shelly, for taking a look! #6520986

Gina Cormier January 04, 2009

I love this image!! I am new and now trying my hand at macro. Not having alot of luck I wondered if you had any tips since you are the big winner!!! Thanks!!! #6980642

Chris Budny level-deluxe January 07, 2009

Thanks so much Gina! As for shooting macros, my 2 bits of primary advice are, 1) get a dedicated macro lens if possible (I *love* the Canon 100mm, which I used on this image---it is my all-time favorite lens, worth every penny, and I shoot a lot of non-macro with it as well) and 2) always use a solid tripod (and a remote shutter release if possible, or the timer) to minimize camera shake from your finger on the trigger.
Macro is great territory to explore, and I love experimenting with shallow depth of field.
Happy shooting! #6997949

Leslie Carson Wolfe April 16, 2009

Exquisite! Congratulations! Do you think the Canon EF-S 75-300mm would be able to capture details as sharp as the 100? This is incredible. #7412756

Chris Budny level-deluxe April 17, 2009

Many thanks, Leslie. The 100mm macro is a remarkable Canon lens, my all-time favorite so far. I've not used the lens you ask about, so I'm afraid I can't offer an opinion about it. I have one EF-S lens, and I've generally been pretty happy with it. I also have a 70-300, and that is actually my least-favorite lens, though I've never tried it for this kind of shooting. Whatever lens you use, for this kind of closeup/detail, I'd definitely recommend a tripod, and your camera timer or remote-control shutter release. #7414255

Leslie McLain level-classic November 28, 2009

Congrats on your beautiful winner Chris. #8175053

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 28, 2009

Thanks so much, Leslie! #8176146

Bunny Snow April 18, 2010

Wow, a real gold first place win and will deserved. This is wire sharp, beautiful clarity, exquisite color and tonality, wonderful composition and it has dew droplets to boot. This is one of my all time favorites, and well deserved. It is inspiring! #8546038

Chris Budny level-deluxe April 19, 2010

Well thank you very much, Bunny! This one enjoys "pride of place" in my home; a large print of it is the only one of my photos which hangs in my living room. It is probably my all-tiime favorite image shot with my 100mm lens, too... that lens is always tack sharp! #8547295

Kara L. Hendricks May 02, 2010

I have always loved this one Chris... And to think... I own this camera now!!...:)))

This is with the 100mm? I still have a bit of trouble reading all the stats up there..:) #8584871

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 02, 2010

Weird, right?! I'm so glad you have the camera now, and I hope it brings you continued gold!
Yes, this was a shot with the 100mm:
EF100 (the lens)
f/2.8 (the aperture I used---the lowest f-stop the lens can do, which reduces depth of field and blurs the background more. The closer to your subject, the more the background blurs.)
1/3200th Second (the shutter speed---I probably shot this in Av mode, which is pretty much the shooting mode I live in!)
-2/3ev (the exposure compensation value, since it was a bright day, I dialed it down almost a full stop)
ISO100 (I shoot 100 whenever possible, and typically always when out in daylight, for the least noise possible... I never liked the noise on the Rebel above ISO400)
RAW (well, of course!!!)
tripod (at 1/3200th, I probably could have done hand-held just fine---but I'm addicted to tripod shooting, and stability is always good.) #8585096

Julianne Bradford June 18, 2010

Exquisite Christopher :-) Congratulations on your well deserved Gold. #8704015

Chris Budny level-deluxe June 19, 2010

Thank you Julianne! #8704350

Susan Jane Allen level-classic August 13, 2010

Just noticed this for the first time! Congrats! It's really something to be proud of! #8824074

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 13, 2010

Thanks, Susan... one of my all-time favorites, and the only image I have on display in my living room ;) #8824881

Merna L. Nobile January 17, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS, MERNA #9168250

Martin J. Wells April 29, 2011

Beautiful Chris, the adwards kkep coming your way and deservedly so. Well done mate. #9379457

Alex T. Mizuno October 28, 2011

Clarity and the color are both striking! Excellent macro shot Chris. Congratulations on your win!! #9769804

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 29, 2011

Thank you Alex, and I see I missed Merna & Martin--thanks as well! #9770064

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic May 25, 2012

Belated CONGRATZ on this wonderful First Place Winner, Chris.

UB. #10149240

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 25, 2012

Thanks so much, Usman! #10149359

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