Big Cypress National Preserve String Lily Sunset

This past weekend I went back to the same location I had shot the lightning and string lilies in my previous post to try and capture a sunset with the lilies in the foreground. I tried a few different compositions but my favorite was this portrait orientation shot using the single lily as an anchor with the sunset in the distance behind the cypress dome with a sunburst.

For this shot I set the tripod up low to the ground to give a unique perspective of being eye level to the lily and surrounded by the nearby sawgrass rather than looking down from above. I used my Canon 10-22 lens and was only a few inches away from the lily when shooting. I also used HDR to get the proper exposure for both the foreground and bright background.

The second shot is a landscape orientation photo I took just as the sun started to touch the cypress dome in the distance.

Portrait Sunset Lilies

Stephen, WOW! i like one best, but they're both so good

I am loving both of these! I might be leaning toward the second. Very good use of HDR!

Really like that first one - great job finding a compelling composition!

Love 'em, Stephen.

Thanks for the compliments. I also captured a third shot of the twilight after the sun had set with a more colorful sky/clouds with the same composures, but preferred the shots with the setting sun and sunbursts.

This was a good year for wildflower blooms in the Everglades. Although, I think they have run their course for the year and most have now started to wither.

Pretty!

I love them both! Very nice use of HDR, it looks very natural.