“Iris 2018”
“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
I’ve always loved this Tolkien quote, and I’ve now found an image to pair it with. Given all the dark news we hear about in our world, the brightness and beauty of flowers is a welcome reprieve.
As I noted in yesterday’s post, I’ve strayed away from this technique over the past few months, but find myself being drawn back to it, for the sheer pleasure of the results. Making these photographs is second nature to me and so satisfying. Even after months not using my studio setup, I had success after only a few shots, using just a simple velvet background.
I did find, that even thought the images are beautiful, they do not sell as larger prints, unless they are printed, VERY big, on canvas, as statement pieces. Those are quite stunning. Imagine this image over a fireplace as a 40″ x 50″ piece! So, for most of my photo sales of these “isolated” flowers, I stick to 8x 10 or arts cards.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mmm
2 sec, f/25.0, ISO 100
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
Hi resolution image on 500px: https://500px.com/photo/257918717/iris-2018-by-ed-lehming
Ed Lehming Photography 
Thank you
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks
I enjoyed this post, Ed — especially the tilt of the iris’s head, as though she is listening. It’s not “just” a flower but something that embodies awareness. A fireplace-sized image would be amazing. (Have you thought of working with realtors who stage houses? Would they be interested in using some of your images to help their sales? And of course, pay you something for the use of your work!)
Thanks Sally, yes I have, and have made a few sales that way.
I know this sounds corny, but I actually gasped a little when I saw this. It’s so beautiful!
Thank you Candice. They have the same effect on my ad I make them. It is such a satisfying process. The only edit I do is to darken the base of the stem with the paintbrush tool. All else is in camera 🙂
This is very beautiful! It ties into the quote beautifully. It’s a striking photograph!
Thank you Kerry. We need some beauty these days.
Beautiful composition and thoughtful quote.
Thank you