Comment from Linda Wetzel
I love all the water droplets on the petals. The pink to purple colors in the petals are lovely. The yellow green stamen looks squishy. I like the variations of the dark greens in the background.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 01-Jul-2018

thanks Linda :)

Comment from supergold
it is a cactus which doesn't look like a cactus; the true name is Persrkia grandiflora; the leaves rather than the fruits are tatsty;
an excellent close up with the water drops;

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 28-Jun-2018

Thanks Fred

Comment from Donna Ruiz
How pretty! The tight off center crop really shows this beauty off nicely. The water droplets on the petals are so lovely. Your light management is perfect, creating an ethereal image. Love it!

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 28-Jun-2018

thanks very much Donna :)

Comment from DerrickBernard
This is a very beautiful picture. I love the colors and the darkness of the picture gives me a sense of calm just like a good rain storm does. Great work!

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 28-Jun-2018

Thanks so much Derrick!

Comment from Envision
The rain droplets look great. I like how the center of the flower resembles an outreached hand :) The colors and textures of the petals look very nice.

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 26-Jun-2018

Thanks Grace!

Comment from Sange
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Shadow this is stunning, Elegant and oh so Loverly.
Your low key style of light, razor sharp focus, understanding of white balance and exposure, placement within the frame and fine attention to details like the diamond like water drops are all superb here.
Nice to see a flower in it's natural light and beauty without using mix media to hide the exposure focus mistakes.
White balance is a must to learn and master. This shot shows off all you learned and thankfully retained in that thick head of yours.
Should have entered this in a contest.
Outstanding work...one of your best of flowers.
Bravo ;)

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 26-Jun-2018

whoa!!!! Thank you Sange!! I have more... and there will be more contests.... thanks so much for making these settings understandable for me. I love them!

Comment from TBI John
Eileen , it's such a beautiful piece and an amazing composition .
The Lights and Shadows.... Outstanding .
Your focus and clarity are on the top rung !
Thank you for sharing .

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 26-Jun-2018

wow, thanks so much John!! Your review and comments make me very happy :)

reply by TBI John on 26-Jun-2018

So glad ! It's a very cool piece .

Comment from avmurray
This cactus must look great when in bloom, and the flower actually reminds me of a rose. It is standing out so well against the nicely softened background, and the shiny droplets add interest.

Your photo is also nice and sharp and it is such clear and well defined details to be seen in the flower. I also think the exposure is spot on.

The cropping is really good and the flower has got a good placement off to the left. Indeed a lovely and well taken photo Eileen, and with an excellent DOF.

 Comment Written 25-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 26-Jun-2018

thank you so very much Annie :)

reply by avmurray on 29-Jun-2018

You are more than welcome Eileen.

Comment from Miranda Langston
Wow. This does not look like a cactus at all. I've never seen such a unique flower. The raindrops almost look like little diamonds growing out of the soft petals... it's beautiful

 Comment Written 25-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 26-Jun-2018

thank you Miranda... so glad you like it :)

Comment from nikman
A very nice nature shot posted here! Your fine full and central composition allows us a very enjoyable look at your gorgeous wet bloom. Sharpness and exposure are good. Well done!

 Comment Written 25-Jun-2018

---

reply by the author on 26-Jun-2018

thanks Nikman !