Gymnocatus horripilus stigma detail.

[cactuspic]

Yesterday, the stigma of this cactus flower was glinting in the sun like a jewel. To avoid casting a shadow on the flower, I used a 105mm macro with two sets of tubes on this stacked image.

Hope you enjoy.

Irwin.

[bill henderson]

Great shot[/quote]

[cactuspic]

Thank you Bill. I see that we are neighbors.

Irwin

[beetleman]

This deserves a big WOW IMO Irwin. It must have been a spectacular sight in the sunshine because the picture is super also. Very nice detain on the stigma.

[cactuspic]

Thanks Doug for your kind thoughts. Nature's jewels never cease to amaze me. I believe that one of our members ( I forgot who) has a signature line that may be paraphased as: the secret of life is to really see and sense everything. On those rare moments that I discover nature's jewels, I realize how true and how aspirational that sentiment truely is.

This image also shows the need to be willing to disregard the "rules" of photography, when they don't apply. Standard textbook rules say that you sould avoid shooting in the middle of the days on bright sunny days, particularly when shooting flowers, because the light is harsh and flat. Had I paid attention to the rule and waited for either an overcast day or the golden light of sunset the flower would have closed or the sparkle would be gone.

Irwin