Digital Speed Challenge #759-Critters or Chrysanthemums (Flora or Fauna)

Show me some images of either from botanic gardens or zoos...or your own backyard This challenge begins when posted and ends at midnight GMT on May 29, 2023. Winner of this challenge will be announced shortly thereafter.

The Challenge Rules:

1. Camera: Any DIGITAL CAMERA is allowed, not just DSLR.
2. Time: Any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
3. Size: Please visit Image Posting Rules.
4. Post Processing: Do whatever you like, and the host will decide if it works.
5. Posting: ONE PHOTO per photographer per challenge. List camera model & lens used. Post brief EXIF data: ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
6. Commenting: No commenting during challenge. When the posting is closed and a winner declared, comments can be made in this thread.
7. Keep it clean, and both Family and Work safe.
8. Have questions, PM me.
9. Have lots of FUN!

>> THE WINNER ALWAYS SETS THE THEME FOR THE NEXT CHALLENGE, POSTS IT AND JUDGES IT - BE PREPARED

Before I forget to post this week. A pale pink chrysanthemum.

Reflection of tulips at Denver Botanic Gardens

Healthy flora from my back yard, last fall

Low-Key from the Rose Garden

After the rain

Image hosted by forum (1212142) © Happygav THIS IS A LOW QUALITY PREVIEW. Please log in to see the good quality stuff.

Challenge closed. Thank you all for your participation.

A few comments...

Ltdave- Is that a pigeon? It's pretty scary looking at it close up

OldCrow- I love the muted color and the shallow DoF...almost like I can reach out and touch the chrysanthemum. Nicely done Don!

just whistle- I really like the vibrant colors and how you isolated just the reflection. The image has an impressionistic feel to it. Very, very nice Lesley!

RDWP-I would love to have an apple tree! Tasty looking apples at that; except for the plastic bag, the image has a very earthy feel to it Rob.

TerryPink- The low key of the image makes it look very gothic...my eyes immediately go to the unopened bud that is highlighted behind the big rose. Very nice Terry!

Happygav-I like that if you follow the mums counterclockwise is goes from sharp focus to a buttery bokeh. The added raindrops are a bonus.

Alas, there can be only one winner; I'm choosing just whistle's tulip reflections... it hit all the right notes with OldCrow a close second. Happygav gets the HM

Thans for playing! What's up next Lesley?

Congratulations Lesley.

Well done Happygav.

Thanks for the nod, Ed. I think everyone stepped up to the challenge this week! Beautiful shots from each one of you. I'll get the next challenge posted ASAP. Thanks again. : )

New challenge is up. https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1529758

Very nice shots all. Congrats Lesley and Don. Both extra well done.

dilorenzo1954 wrote in post #19524640
...
just whistle- I really like the vibrant colors and how you isolated just the reflection. The image has an impressionistic feel to it. Very, very nice Lesley!....

my choice too!

no idea what kind of bird it is. maybe a grackle?

Congrats Lesley - a unique image! Really nice pics all around. Thanks to Ed for the hard part!

Ltdave wrote in post #19524861
my choice too!

no idea what kind of bird it is. maybe a grackle?

Could be a grackle, although they are generally all black. Our yard is lousy with them this year. I have to keep chasing them off our fountain