2014, Day 213 - Dazzle

She pirouettes with ease and the motion in captured in a fraction of a second.

Fuji X-E1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f5.6, 1/240 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 212 - Flourish

It is nice to see someone enjoying the heat.  I am living in a wind tunnel until this abominable weather passes.  There are six fans in my room and I think there are occasional minor indoor tornados but it's a small price to pay for comfort.

Fuji X-E1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/1250 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 195 - Sunny side up

This is the matilija poppy, known for their fried egg appearance.  They are a beautiful shrub that dies back completely in the winter and the established plants grow vigorously when the weather gets warmer.  Pollinators love these flowers even though they are natively to California and norther Mexico.  I planted one in my yard last year and it survived our harsh winter but has yet to show significant growth.  Maybe next year :)

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/750 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 127 - Golden glow

I love the thin tissue-like petals of poppies, they catch the sun and allow light to pass through making them sparkle.  They're like little gemstones the way they catch the light and the fact that they grow rather densely only serves to heighten the effect.

Fuji X-T1, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/850 sec @ 200 ISO

2013, Day 178 - Radiant

My neighbors planted a mixture of wildflowers last year but it was late and they didn't bloom.  This year they are looking great, it is a wild variety of colors and textures.  My favorites are all the poppies in various colors.  This one has a lovely pink blush around the edges and is extremely delicate.  With highs in the 90s for the next few days I suspect it will quickly perish so immortalizing on film seemed appropriate.

Fuji X-E1, Fuji 60/f2.4
60mm, f5.6, 1/500 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 110 - Heat

It's all a lie, there is no heat in Portland, it is still cold and I got completely soaked twice today.  When I say soaked I really mean it, down to my socks!  But between the downpours I took a moment to appreciate the early arrival of this poppy in my neighbor's yard.  Although the weather is cool these colors make me feel warm and the warmth makes me happy.  It's nice way to end the day, happy...

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f11, 1/160 sec @ 320 ISO

2010, Day 130 - California dreamin'

I love poppies, they remind me of California and now that I'm an Oregonian and seem them so infrequently I find their vibrant warmth a friendly reminder of my childhood.

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS

100mm, f8, 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO

I like that water from a recent sprinkling of rain has collected in the petals and in the bowl-like center of the flower.

Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 100/f2.8L IS

100mm, f8, 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO