Sea Daffodil in Sunset Photo

Photographer’s Note

Pancratium maritimum L., Sea Lily, Sand Lily

One of the more exotic members of the amaryllis family, Pancratium is found growing in sandy areas around the Mediterranean coastline. Strongly and sweetly scented, this small genus produces large white blooms in summer whose six petals frame the corona in the manner of daffodils; hence the name "Sea Daffodil." The flowers are borne in umbels atop 2' stems for several weeks during the summer months. Perfectly at home in a sunny well-drained location in USDA Zone 7 and warmer, the Sea Daffodil also makes an attractive summer blooming pot or patio plant. Use: border, pot culture.

The HAVATSELET HA'SHARON is mentioned in the Song of Songs (verse 2:1). It is generally accepted that this flower is identified with the Pancratium maritimum -- a bulbous plant with white, highly scented flowers which blooms at the end of summer in the coastal lowland. It symbolizes the flowering of the desolate land and its formation into "the excellency of Carmel and Sharon" (Isaiah 35:1-2).

In this picture I give an EC of -1/3 to the camera and -2/3 to the flash, this is the first time that I am using a decent flash the Canon 550ex.
To get this picture I needed to lye down on the sea sand to get the right angle, I hope you will like it.

BradP, Liora, gg01, nwoehnl, Jeppe, ephemere33, avigur_11, Endy, bazal, Georges, ChrisJ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

BradP (464) 2004-09-03 13:36

Your fill flash level on this shot was perfect.
Stunning image & composition!

Curioso (9139) 2004-09-03 14:11

Do agree. That feel is just right balanced. It makes all the difference with the usual sunset and this great one !

Liora (1857) 2004-09-03 14:12

I do like it! Excellent choice of DOF, and the lighting set worked perfectly, and I'm glad you got to feel some sea sand personally... ;)
Fantastic note as well!

gg01 (355) 2004-09-03 14:32

superbe photo, netteté, couleurs, tout y est
bravo

nwoehnl (120) 2004-09-03 14:46

Great shot, Elroyie, and for sure a creative approach to a sunset photo. The low angle is most effective, and using the flash gives a wonderful and crisp appearance of the sea daffodil's textures. Wonderful color setting, and of course the fireball is perfectly framed by the flower. Very nice.

someguy (749) 2004-09-03 15:49

Very nice, with just the right amount of flash, great job!

Jeppe (18623) 2004-09-03 15:55

Great view of that sunset and the fine foreground - I like the nice clouds you got and the fine DOF - this also reminds of a shot I never posted - I simply must take a second look.

Thanks Elroyie - fine job indeed.

efimoore (2126) 2004-09-03 16:26

It’s refreshing to see an original sunset picture.
Colors are deep and unique. Worth your effort.

avigur_11 (21307) 2004-09-03 18:12

Using a flash in this sunset shot was a very smart idea, that gives a very good added value to this fine image. It could work without a flash as a silhouette, and could be nice too, but it is better in your way. Well done, Elroyie, a very good shot.

Endy (1025) 2004-09-03 20:34

Sightly macro Elroyie! Your frame perfectly the sun between the leafs and branches of this plant. The depth of field is also well used.

Beautiful composition, thanks for sharing!

hdl (6737) 2004-09-04 5:51

This is so nice! It is a real relaxing sight. You managed to get a sharp picture of the plant despite the very low light intensity for which I say bravo. It is very good composed with the undergoing sun. Good work!

Oldtree (2457) 2004-09-04 11:43

Wonderful use of the fill flash. Even though it is a normal plant without strong colors it looks great against the sunset.
I like it.

yesterday (9787) 2004-09-04 16:17

Splendid sunset composition, great sharp front, excellent colour and contrast, beautiful light.

Regards Kaj Nielsen

manny (21378) 2004-09-07 20:54

A very unique sunset shot. A good choice for a foreground object. I like this picture.

bazal (7898) 2004-09-08 4:16

Really like this composition. The Light and DOF are simply great, and the sharpness of the plant is very nice. Very good informative note. Great contribution !

ephemere33 (9729) 2004-09-08 4:32

très belle imagination de cette prise de vue de cette plante a travers le coucher de soleil..j'aime beaucoup cette photo...pleine de romantisme...bravo...amicalement BI

ma-tibou (4566) 2004-09-12 3:48

une très belle composition David, des jolies couleurs.
Amitié.

maphoto (8076) 2004-09-13 23:07

Beautiful and original sunsset photo, the colors and sharpness are great, fantastic shot, well seen.

Georges (11185) 2004-09-15 10:21

Parfait ce petit coup de flash il donne une tout autre vision a cette image.
Les couleurs sont très joli ainsi que le cadrage verticale.
Bravo

explomars (4230) 2004-09-20 14:24

Superbe coucher de soleil avec une leçon de botanique et d'histoire en plus.Merci.Phil

ChrisJ (70485) 2004-10-17 4:47

Hi Elroyie

Superb use of a differential or selective focus to accentuate the daffodil against the stunning backdrop of the evening sky. Colours are also excellent. Very well done!