Iris Photography
Why do we frequently find that the iris we bloom don't match the expectations we've based on photographs? There are many factors: variations in climate and growing conditions; accuracy of color photography and printing; even the background colors. Often overlooked is the way that the flowers themselves change over time. Colors are most intense on opening. Form is best when fully expanded. Then both color and form deteriorate with age and exposure to the elements. The following pairs of pictures illustrate some of those differences.
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Code Talker The photo on the left was taken of a freshly opened flower, in the early morning shade. The one on the right of a fully opened one, in the late afternoon sun. |
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Desert Melody The picture on the left was taken when the flower first opened, just before sunrise. The blue of the standards didn't show up well. The one on the right was taken in dappled shade, at peak form. |
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Don't Be Shy The photo on the left is of a fully expanded flower, at the stage it would normally be cut for a "glamour" portrait. The one on the right is the same flower, taken a couple of days later under different lighting conditions, somewhat weather-worn. |
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Leah Ralls The photo on the left was taken on the second day, when the flower had fully expanded and was at peak color and form. The one on the right was taken on the fourth day, good for its age but well past peak. |
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Simply Luscious The photo on the left was taken as the flower was opening, before it was fully expanded. The one on the right was taken the second morning, fully expanded and not yet starting to fade. |
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