A long-time friend and professor for whom I worked at the University of New Mexico (do not ask how long ago that was) emailed some weeks ago about the possibility of having a print made of one of my photographs.  It was a group of double white lilies we had been gifted and which I proceeded to use as a photographic subject.  The request sent me into research mode for companies who printed photographs on linen (or fabric) stretched on a frame.  But it also made me ponder the color white in flowers and how white is hardly ever as white as snow, for instance, or as white as a plain piece of copy paper.  The variations are numerous.  The white petals of the camellia flower below are what most of us consider true, dramatic white.  Giving a slight shade of yellow to the base of the petals are the stamens and pistils.

The Cutleaf Evening Primrose here is also quite white, so much so that when you look on the landscape in the high desert between 5,000 and 8,000 feet elevation in early summer, it appears that someone scattered tissues all over the ground.  Primrose petals are so thin and delicate that veins are prominent. 

This Oriental trumpet lily flower has dramatic white and crenulated petals, offset by paprika-colored stamens.

My best guess for the name of this rhododendron flower is 'Unique', but some of you may know what it is.  As you can see, the petals on each flower in the group are what some might describe as ivory, but there is a definite tinge of pink on the backs of each flower.

The Phalenopsis orchid here is considered white, except for the lip which carries a wild variety of colors.  

Double lily or roselily, gifted to us and became an immediate photographic subject.  

lilies color 3 2024
 

This white lily bud with its leathery texture is the perfect subject for black and white photography.

Although the rose petals below might be described as light ivory when seen in color,  it makes a beautiful pure white black and white shot. 

Thanks to TTT, Marilyn R., Karla, Connie, Pauli, Marilyn G., Barbara F. R., Steve, Victoria, Jean & Sam, Ingrid, Catherine, and Heather for writing this week and to all of you for reading my blog.

until next Monday,

DB 

a passion for the image©