Blooms from Amelia Island

[KatieM]

Finally taking the time to show off some of my babies. I've got one with a 43 inch spike! Enjoy!

Bare with me as I try to figure out technology and posting multiple pictures.

PS Mako, the husky who lost his hair, had to get in with the Schilleriana.

[KatieM]

Pardon the amateur photography.

[KatieM]

Few more

[KatieM]

This is the 43in phal spike

[estación seca]

Wow, beautiful! What is the Oncidium intergeneric hybrid? Does it have a scent? There is one that looks like that with a scent of burning cedar.

[KatieM]

Thank you! It's an Oncidioda Jimbo Swarm. It does have a nice light scent.

[Roberta]

Beautiful! And there's nothing to apologize for, photos are great, show off the plants well (which is why we do it!)

[KatieM]

You aren't wrong, Roberta! One of these days I'll take the time to learn how to do the black background to really show them off but then it's always time to care for the babies and that takes priority :-) Thank you!

[Roberta]

I nailed a piece of (very cheap) black velour to the wall of the room that I also use as an office, etc. Set up a card table also covered with the velour, and a few extra pieces to use when I need to hide a hanger or tag or ugly p-bulb. I have a couple of photo light fixtures, color is a lot more accurate since I replaced the incandescent floods (supposedly daylight) with LED daylight floods that say their light is 5000K. On my little Panasonic point-and-shoot I use the "sunlight" color balance setting and it is almost as accurate as shooting in sunlight for most things. (I do prefer to use actual sunlight for really tricky colors like saturated reds, as in Sophronitis, or those intense blue Thelymitras, even if it is harder to control the background.)

[KatieM]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I nailed a piece of (very cheap) black velour to the wall of the room that I also use as an office, etc. Set up a card table also covered with the velour, and a few extra pieces to use when I need to hide a hanger or tag or ugly p-bulb. I have a couple of photo light fixtures, color is a lot more accurate since I replaced the incandescent floods (supposedly daylight) with LED daylight floods that say their light is 5000K. On my little Panasonic point-and-shoot I use the "sunlight" color balance setting and it is almost as accurate as shooting in sunlight for most things. (I do prefer to use actual sunlight for really tricky colors like saturated reds, as in Sophronitis, or those intense blue Thelymitras, even if it is harder to control the background.)

This is phenomenal! I've done that with people and white backgrounds (my side hobby....) But had not considered a black setup like that for plants. I'm now palming my forehead. Thanks, Roberta as always for your kindness and sage advice! Great info on the bulbs as well. I'm literally in the process of changing out can lighting and converting to led so I will make note. I prefer the sun as well..there's still nothing like it... But in a pinch (and when I'm feeling lazy and want to use my phone) the velour and led will do nicely. Your Sophronotis is still one of the most stunning orchids I've ever seen..and that glorious Thely is still on my wish list. One of these days! We'd be bored if we didn't have our wish lists of orchids 😉