Lotus Position.

[SMB2]

That time of year in Washington DC, Kenilworth Gardens. The Lotus are in bloom, and it has rained every morning that I have tried to go out.
These were all taken with a 70-200mm zoom lens. The close-ups had an extension tube added as well as a 5+ diopter filter.
20150703_Kenilworth_055736_2501.jpg

20150703_Kenilworth_063837_2580.jpg

20150703_Kennilworth_081947_3012.jpg

20150711_Kenilworth_070142_3195-Edit.jpg

20150711_Kenilworth_081341_3333.jpg

[LizStreithorst]

Fabulous pics.

[DonMD]

wow, nature has amazing colors. I think I would enjoy the weather around here more if I were a flower! Or a duck. Beautiful photography, thanks for posting.

[dagray]

Absolutely amazing work

[Second Hand Pat]

Really beautiful flowers Stan. The second photo is my favorite. I am here in Maryland and have some nice photos. I fly home in the morning.
Pat

[Disgirl]

How beautiful!
Barb

[SMB2]

Thanks everyone.
Pat sorry I couldn't show you this little place!

20150703_Kennilworth_064114_2603.jpg

[Second Hand Pat]

Oh wow Stan, very nice. That bee is in flight
Pat

[Discus-n00b]

I'm looking on my phone right now but can't wait to see them on a computer they look incredibly clean and sharp! Excellent!

[SMB2]

A few more from the Lotus garden:

20150802_Kenilworth_055245_4516.jpg

20150802_Kenilworth_073005_4918-Edit.jpg

20150802_Kenilworth_074756_4965.jpg

20150802_Kenilworth_084005_5130.jpg

[Second Hand Pat]

Nice Stan, I love the first and last pictures. The way the background encloses the photo is just plain cool in that last photo.
Pat

[SMB2]

Thanks Pat.
I wish the Bee in the first one was a little sharper but it was early morning and I was pushing ISO/SS as much as I dare and not get too much noise.

The trick in the last one is to frame the subject with a large Lotus leaf in the background, far enough away as to not give too much detail. All the leaves have those rays radiating from the center so you can play with the composition. There are so many flowers and buds that you usually can find the background you want with a little walking! The Dragon Fly was just an added bonus. They are pretty territorial, so if you find one sitting at a perfect composition it will usually come back to that spot.