Comment from Gail Ross
Lovely. Is this a type of orchid? Excellent focus and lighting. Wonderful detail with the three little seed pods in the center which I suspect will stand up in the next day or two. Great job.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2017

Many thanks for your kind review and comments - very much appreciated. Although I did not know it, I believe it is related to the orchid genus.

Comment from suzannethompson2
Excellent close up of this lovely Hellebore blossom, Mike. I like the angle you used, looking into the flower showing all the intricate markings of the petals. The softened background works very well. Very good lighting and focus. Good luck in the contest. Suzanne

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 09-Mar-2017

Many thanks Suzanne for your kind review and comments - very much appreciated.

Comment from EvaB
This is very well focused and exposed. The light on this flower is soft and lovely, Your crop is very nice. An alternate crop would be even tighter on that gorgeous center.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 09-Mar-2017

Many thanks for your kind review and comments - very much appreciated.

Comment from momentsofjoy7351
Oh my, what a wonderful capture of this bloom. Love the way it stretches to left and upward in the frame. Fabulous placement. :-)) Great color and lighting as well so kudos on the exposure. Great focus as well. Thanks for sharing, good luck!

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 09-Mar-2017

Many thanks Debi for your kind review and comments - very much appreciated.

Comment from GaliaG
beautiful and serene shot of nature

excellent lighting, colors and composition

good presentation and initial impact

thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2017

Many thanks Galia for your kind review and comments - much appreciated.

Comment from Dick Lee Shia
Still looking vibrant despite the Subtle illumination.
Fine floral features & interesting petal textures.
Guess these markings attract the birds & the bees.
Nice perspective & narrow DOF. Thanks for sharing...

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2017

Many thanks for your kind review and comments - much appreciated

Comment from bpellephoto
Very nice floral capture. The colors of the blossom are bright and clear. Nice bokeh. DOF is just right. Overall good camera technique. Excellent lighting, and framing.

Good luck in the contest ... B-)) Bob

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2017

Many thanks for your kind review and comments - much appreciated

Comment from Sean T Phelan
Cool,Mike!
That Hellebore blossom certainly is an attractive thing,isn't it?
A very colorful Floral Image here that's a lot of fun to look at!
'Good Show',my friend!
~Sean

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2017

Many thanks Sean for your kind review and comments - much appreciated. The trouble with these flowers is that they always have their heads drooping and the only way to photograph them is to pose them using surrounding foliage. Very frustrating and no one seems to know why! Mike

reply by Sean T Phelan on 08-Mar-2017

Hmm! That's strange,isn't it?

Comment from El-mundo
A wonderful, detailed close up of this intricate flower (i've never seen one before to be honest!) - fantastic colour contrast, beautiful focus showing clearly the depth of the petals and the stigma emerging from the centre. Great pic.

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2017

Many thanks for your kind review and comments - much appreciated

Comment from Susan F. M. T.
A beautiful shot of this cream coloured Helibore dotted with crimson like rouge on a lady's cheek. Beautiful composition, framing & lighting taken with superb camera techniques & sharp focus.
susan

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2017

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2017

Many thanks Susan for your kind review and comments - much appreciated