I thought these large stalks were weeds that had gotten out of control while we were in Michigan this summer. Ever since we returned, I've intended to get to the 'garden' (postage stamp area in front of our building) to weed them out. BUT, at the Lincoln Park Conservatory on Sunday, I discovered these are flowers!! They had whole sections of them there -- where they looked more proportional than in our little spot. Now that I knew they were flowers and not invaders, I thought they were worthy of recording on 'film' (okay, digitally). Taken yesterday as the sun was setting, with camera facing west into the sun, with my 50 with the idea of posting nf-sooc. Instead...cropped a bit, worked the contrast a bit. So not sooc after all, but taken with my nifty fifty which, since Richard's theme/challenge, has become my go-to lens. Thanks Richard.
Thank you for your visits, comments, and fav which put "Reflective Chicago" on PP!
Beautiful image of Goldenrod! They are important nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies.the term "weed" is just something we humans use for plants we don't like.many people yank this out if their gardens....but every flower that blooms at this time if year is so important.:) FAV stunning shot.
@mzzhope Thanks Hope -- I had no idea what this was, and since we aren't here in the summer, the best flowers to me are ones that bloom in May and others in September! I'm glad I never got around to weeding!
Incredible macro. I think of contrast and sharpening of raw files since jpg files sooc have both applied with the settings and raw files have nothing done to them. My take anyway.
I looked up last spring the difference between weed and flower. Well, guess what - one man's weeds is another man's flowers. So you have discovered. Enjoy your pretty flowers.
love the goldenrods! Supposedly they do NOT cause allergice reactions either, but if you mention that "fact" (or bring bouquets into the house as they make great cut flowers), you can have big arguments with the afflicted.
@rosiekerr This has become my 'go to' lens lately. It's so light weight, and it does so well in low light. You can find them online used fairly reasonably, especially if you go with a 1.8 instead of a 1.4.
