I can always remember being drawn to orchids. When I began making photographs, the beauty of the flower made them obvious subjects to me. My first images of orchids were made with a film camera on a vacation to Hawaii. At the time, I thought the images were pretty good, enough so I had some hanging in my office for a number of years. But now, when I look back at them, I don't think I represented the beauty of the flower very well. I'm happy I had opportunities to find places growing orchids so I could continue to learn.
I was fortunate to relocate to a place near Longwood Gardens, a spectacular display garden in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. In its orchid house, Longwood presents virtually all cultivars in bloom throughout the year. Additionally, each year during the typically dreary winter months of January through March, it presents its "Orchid Extravaganza". The conservatory is filled with stunning displays of orchids, with abundant opportunities to make images.
I am drawn to the simple elegance of the orchid. This image was made with film many years ago.