Marina orcuttii (flower)

[loeee]

Native to California and found wild only in Riverside County (not where I live). This shot was taken yesterday at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which specializes in California native plants. Do you thing the pink mat is a bit overboard?

[transcape5]

The mat doesn't bother me, but I'm having trouble finding the focal point since it seems a bit soft, to be completely honest. Perhaps that was intentional since this flower structure seems difficult to select a specific part to focus?

[loeee]

The focus is probably back a bit (more at the center than the front) and the DOF is shallow. There may also be a problem with movement due to low light, unsteady hands, and a light breeze. I didn't notice the softness, but I probably also need to have my eyes checked. Thanks for the alert. I'll be sure to try to re-shoot that one the next time I'm up there. Bummer.

[transcape5]

After having another look I do see that the focus is a bit further back as you said. So I will get my eyes checked instead. lol!
Do post again when you get a chance to reshoot. There's an interesting randomness to the bloom, and the color is very nice.

[loeee]

I found another of the same flower that I think is sharper. Because it is from a bit farther back you can also see the delicate leaves.

[transcape5]

Now this one I like a lot, mat and all.

[loeee]

Yeah, well, the mat isn't pink, is it? LOL

[transcape5]

No comment.