Image captured at the Swan Island Dahlia Farm, south of Portland, Oregon, August, 2008.   This is a "must visit" location for anyone who likes colorful dahlias by the acre. Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm macro lens ( 1/100 sec, f/14,  ISO 640).

At the Spring Orchid Society Show, Portland, Oregon, dozens of types of orchids were on display for judging.  This outstanding example was quite small, perhaps two inches, tip to tip.  However, a close shot emphasises its singular beauty.  Removal of the background permits the viewer to see its graceful shape.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm Macro f/2.8 lens (1/60 sec, f/4, ISO 250).

This perfect daisy was captured under ideal lighting conditions --a beautiful spring day, overcast and windless.  There were many daisies from which to chose, but this lovely specimen was unquestionably the best, at the peak of its photogenic glory. To bring out maximal detail, a macro lens was used with a small aperture.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm f/4 (1/13 sec, f/18, ISO 400, exposure compensation +0.33.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn Washington, April, 2006.  The farm is a glorious place to capture a large variety of tulips as thousands of blossoms reach their peaks.  This was a warm Spring day, late in the afternoon, with little wind -- perfect conditions for photography.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4L IS lens ( 1/100 sec, f/14, 70 mm, ISO 100, exposure compensation +0.33).

Crocus, a harbinger of Springtime.  Mountain Park, Oregon. March, 2006. Canon 10D; 18-200 mm f/4 lens ( 1/90 sec, f/4.5, 70 mm, ISO 400, exposure compensation -0.50).

Brilliant colors of this orchid were caught in tangential afternoon sunlight against a black backdrop. Image was awarded a Blue Ribbon at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, 2007. Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm Macro f/2.8 lens ( 1/2 sec, f/20, ISO 500, exposure compensation).

 A sunny and warm day at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. While walking down the main street, I came upon a garden full of hydrangeas in full bloom.  For a handheld shot, this image came out surprisingly sharp. Canon 10D; 18-200 mm f/4 - 5.6 lens ( 1/200 sec, f/6.7, 47 mm, ISO 200).

Blue Fescue: A study of symmetry and texture. Early Summer, 2006.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4L IS lens ( 1/250 sec, f/8, 92 mm, ISO 400).

Rose Study, Mountain Park, Oregon, Summer, 2006.  Original image was digitally altered to achieve a water color-like effect.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4L IS lens ( 1/160 sec, f/14, 92 mm, ISO 400) 

 A single, pale orchid was set up to reveal its beauty and striking detail.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens ( 0.8 sec, f/32, 100 mm, ISO 200).

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn Washington, April, 2006.  This is the most popular photograph in the Tulip series, especially when printed in a larger size and combined with a warm tone wooden frame.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4L IS lens ( 1/60 sec, f/13, 53 mm, ISO 100).

Beautiful Autumn dahlia shot in late afternoon shade. This is a personal favorite. A large aperture was used to blur the background and restrict attention to the blossom. To preserve detail in the white portions of the petals, the picture was deliberately underexposed 1.5 stops. Canon 10D; Canon 100 mm Macro f/2.8 lens ( 1/125 sec, f/3.5, 100 mm, ISO 400, exposure compensation:-1.5).

An artglass bowl was partially filled with water and poinsetta leaves floated on top. Illumination was provided by afternoon day light. Canon 5D; Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4 L lens, Manfrotto tripod (1/13 sec, f/9, -0.67 underexposure, ISO 200, 73 mm).

Orchid was illuminated by daylight from the right side and by fill flash bounced off a reflector on left side. Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 macro; Manfrotto tripod (1/4 sec, f/13, ISO 200).  One color gradient layer (sampled from the flower) and one black to white gradient layer were mixed to provide background.

This beautiful orchid was on display (indoors) at the Spring, 2007, Orchid Society show in Portland, Oregon.  To increase the drama of the image, the background was digitally blacked out. Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm, Macro, f/2.8 lens (1/5 sec, f/13, ISO 250) with diffused flash fill (Canon 550).

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn Washington, April, 2006.  While there are acres of flowers in bloom, the best shots are often achieved when the focus is on just a few blossoms for a more intimate feel.  Canon 5D; Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4L IS lens ( 1/125 sec, f/10, 70 mm, ISO 100, exposure compensation +0.33).

Orange sunflower, photographed outside against dark blue matt board. Fill light added from right rear. Canon 5D; Canon EF 100 mm, 1/15 sec, f/14, compensation -0.67.