Comment from Keri353
Wonderful job and congratulations, well deserved!
Adding the history to the flower makes a person enjoy it all the more. Great colors and good idea with the flash lights ;)

 Comment Written 18-May-2011

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reply by the author on 18-May-2011

Thank you very much for your kind review and the congratulations :-)

Comment from MikiB
What a beautiful picture you have on this cacti! I was not familiar with it, since I don't live anywhere near them. The black background shows up the flower very well. I glad you got the mosquitoes off! Did you get bitten getting this shot? I hate mosquitoes and they seem to love me. I'll get bitten walking out the door.

 Comment Written 14-May-2011

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reply by the author on 14-May-2011

Thank you very much. Oh yes, Mosquitoes seem to love me too. I had bug spray on but the still come for the light even if the don't sting they are irritating.

Comment from John House
Great impact ,good use of color I especially like the dark background, technically well executed and in my opinion has the same wow factor as van goughs sunflowers

 Comment Written 14-May-2011

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reply by the author on 14-May-2011

Wow! thank you for that compliment. Van Gogh! That toke my breath away and make me blushing. Thank you for your review and the high rating. I am truly honored.

Comment from GaliaG
yes, one of the MOST beautiful cactus flowers I know and an excellent shot of it

great contrast with the black background

 Comment Written 14-May-2011

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reply by the author on 14-May-2011

Thank you very much, I appreciate your review.

Comment from grubnide
The wonders of nature are intruiging and so worth staying up to capture this lovely photograph. The scientific name is also interesting and is very apt for this cactus - a grand flower.

 Comment Written 14-May-2011

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reply by the author on 14-May-2011

Thank you. I appreciate your accomodating review.

Comment from gnewman
What a lovely photo!! Good job!!
Initial impact 5
Creativity of presentation 5
Color Harmony 5
Center of Interest 5
Technical Excellence 5
Technique 5
Story Telling Ability 5
Lighting 5

 Comment Written 13-May-2011

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reply by the author on 14-May-2011

thank you very much for your compassionate review.

Comment from kmcw53
I wish I had a 6 to give you. This is an amazingly beautiful shot. I like the negative space on the left but especially the color and richness of the flower and stems.

The focus, DOF, lighting, exposure, etc. are all perfect. You deserve the ALL Time Best award!

 Comment Written 13-May-2011

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reply by the author on 13-May-2011

Thank you very much for your compassionate review. Don't worry about the stars. Your review is what really count.

Comment from Rivergirl51
This is beautiful. I have heard about these flowers but have never seen them. That black background brings all the detail forward. Excellent focus, color and lighting.

 Comment Written 13-May-2011

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reply by the author on 13-May-2011

Thank you, I appreciate your review very much.

Comment from Jane Jenkins
An amazing capture. Very dramatic and wonderful to see. Great details and I like the way you framed it. Great artist notes that really help the photo come alive through the eyes of the photographer.

 Comment Written 13-May-2011

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reply by the author on 13-May-2011

Thank you, I appreciate your compassionate review.

Comment from bosch2
The detail in this photo is exceptional, and it appears that the flashlights did their job quite well. It almost looks ethereal - beautiful!

 Comment Written 13-May-2011

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reply by the author on 13-May-2011

Thank you very much for ypour accomodating review.