Blue, red and grey Photo

Photographer’s Note

This shot is taken near Kaapschehoop where these aloes are in bloom everywhere. They look stunning against the grey weathered rocks full of lichen. Some facts about Aloes:

Aloes are found from Arabia in the North to Madagascar in the East and Southern Africa in the South. Gilbert Westacott Reynolds documented over 300 species of aloes (about 170 species are found in South Africa). Aloes occur naturally only in Africa, in Mexico, where Aloe vera escaped from cultivation, it has been naturalised.

Aloes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the small grass aloes to the huge A. dichotoma and A. pillansii. Aloes are well adapted for harsh climates and they can survive in mountains, grasslands, deserts and on beaches . Both the spiky leaves and the bitter tasting sap prevents animals and insects from eating them. The waxy leaves have sunken pores which prevents water loss. The downward angled flowers are borne on a simple or multi-branched inflorescence. One of the genus' weakness is a poorly developed root system. Aloes propgate by seeds that are designed for wind dispersal and some species have a high degree of vegetative propagation (they offset quite easily).

Aloes are well known succulents, not just for their beauty but for their medicinal properties as well. You could find aloe vera in skin-care products, hair shampoo, vitamins and supplements.

Tech: Cropped, unsharp mask. Hope you enjoy - all comments are welcome.

bertolucci, Jeppe, Kenny10pin, nwoehnl, Hanssie, digi-mom, Rinie_Hoff, dominique, Motrem has marked this note useful

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bertolucci (11976) 2004-05-23 10:59

Lovely composition, Judy. Just two elements against the blue sky. Both elements have their own and distinct charm. The erosion of the rock is beautiful rendered and the rakisk aloes have their own prickly charm. The ensemble is very graphic!
I'm partial to aloe - when I see the full sized ones I'm in an other climate zone and their oils are used in my favourite sun care products ;-). So basically they have a strong 'holiday' effect. Very fine shot.

Jeppe (18623) 2004-05-23 11:13

wonderful composition you spotted here Judy - Not only the colours but also the difference in textures - rock and plant - I specially like to watch the red aginst the blue sky - thanks for sharing this - I know this kind of plant very well - it used for creams good for the skin (sorry bad english)

Yes I just read the last of your fine note ;-)

Kenny10pin (19301) 2004-05-23 12:41

good shot here, I like the colours of the flower and how it is blended in with the rock. The sky is gorgeous

nwoehnl (120) 2004-05-23 13:34

Beautiful and crisp shot, Judy. You made a simple but very effective composition with the aloes in the front right, and behind just the lichen-covered rock against the beautiful blue sky. Nice play of the sunlight on the leaves and blossoms of the aloes. The colors are a joy to behold in this one. Very well done!

Hanssie (9133) 2004-05-23 13:43

Two different natures in one picture, nice colours, a great composition.
Well done, Judy !!

cdewet (0) 2004-05-23 14:35

Mooi Man, Goeie nota.
This is now the flowering time for thee aloes, I have a lot in my garden, This is a lovely composition with the weathered sandstone in the back. Maybe the right had some yucky stuff, most probably, but it would have been nice if the aloe leaves were not amplutated.

digi-mom (1064) 2004-05-23 15:08

Nice sharp and clear photo with very informative note. I have to agree with cdewet on missing the right side of the plant, but the threes here (colors, textures, divided in three pretty equal parts, vegetable-mineral-air) really nicely seen.

Rinie_Hoff (9332) 2004-05-23 16:52

Hi Judy, nice contrasting elements of nature here, both beautiful in their own way. The eroded rock is great, and has a nice shape. Your angle is good, makes a diagonal picture.

dominique (11403) 2004-05-24 4:40

A very beautiful composition with this rock which has a strange form and the flowers in front of, the colors are beautiful, well considering.

avigur_11 (21287) 2004-05-24 5:29

Wonderful shot, Judy. Excellent composition of blue, green and red. I like the low POV and the nice rock. Hust want to tell you that in the Negev desert, notfar from the place where I too the sheep shots, they grow Aloe Veras. I have a friend who works in the aloe vera oil factory.
I like this one, Well done.

Motrem (2392) 2004-12-12 17:44

Oui, j'aime beaucoup votre photo. D'abord la composition est excellente car elle respecte les règles de l'art. Les couleurs, le contraste, la netteté, tout y est. Good shot!

ommishra (1129) 2007-11-29 9:33 [Comment]

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