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Today's weather began during the early morning hours with heavy rains and driving easterly winds. When I got up I knew this would not be an "iris" day, let alone a "picture" day!
I have been watching this bloom since yesterday morning (May 10) with a lot of interest. As the darkness fell last evening this bud had partially opened, and I knew it would get beat up by the weather overnight. And sure enough, it did! I could see it from the back window in the wind and rain leaning toward the west. So I ran out and cut the stem above another bud and brought it into the house.
My thoughts were (and are), "my best looking seedling yet with the possible exception of #08-9". I also know from experience, photograpy of irises inside the house never gives an accurate color representation, although I tried several times without success. What I needed was more natural light, and that was pitifully lacking outside. Willing to try, I headed out to the back deck (which is covered with a roof) with flower and camera in hand. Again, not enough light; and I never use a flash on irises. So I have resolved to make do with a couple shots I got until another bud opens, or whenever the rain stops. Parentage is Hustle X Chubby Cheeks.
Entries and Updates
May 11, 2008
This iris is far nicer than the picture allows. The color is not true, and the beards are more the color of pale "red lavender" than what is shown. I blame a lot of this on my simple 'point 'n shoot' camera, but I know my photo skills are very lacking too. The color is impossible to describe, but if I were to try, I'd use terms like "milk chocolate/tan/mocha" instead of purple/burgundy/etc. The camera shows far too much "red".
May 11, 2008
I do not like the "redness" in this shot: In my mind it should appear more brown(ish) tan. Maybe it's time I invested in a good camera?!
May 15, 2008
Guess I won't get another "picture day" until maybe July when irises have long gone! If it's not wind, it's rain; if not rain it's blazing sun and wind!!! I'm resigned to just put on my slicker and mud shoes and take pictures NOW instead of waiting for that perfect picture day. This shot was from Thursday, May 15 during a pause (only for a short pause) in rain. There is absolutely no photo editing except for cropping. Why the color variations? Go figure!
May 15, 2008
A top view; same flower as above.
May 16, 2008
Early morning sun May 16, 2007. (No rain today!)
May 17, 2008
Whoopie! No rain! Plenty of blazing sun! This photo was a shot (May 16) of the same flower above only very late in the day.
