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Padma.


Padma.
Photo Information
Copyright: Peter Stoeckl (peter_stoeckl) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1738 W: 291 N: 4005] (11530)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-08-08
Categories: Water Plants
Camera: Minolta Dimage 7Hi
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/1000 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Summer Lotus, Edible, 5 favs. and up - PART 2, Flower Power [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-12-28 5:03
Viewed: 13148
Favorites: 7 [view]
Points: 64
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Padma.

Indian Lotus.
Sacred Lotos.

Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertner, 1788).

Genus: Nelumbo
Family: Nelumbonaceae
Order: Proteales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Kingdom: Plantae

Cannot leave India without having mentioned Padma, the Sacred Lotus, the national flower of India. Originally distributed in southern Asia, the beautiful plant has reached pantropical distribution that even extends into the eastern parts of North America, and southern Europe. So you may find them as neophytes on river Mincio near Mantova in northern Italy.

Indians all over the world seem to have brought their sacred flower with them as Padma is an important part of their religious ceremonies. “From ancient times the lotus has been a divine symbol in Hindu tradition. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise” (1). The flower symbolizes purity and perfection. Like its blossom that develops out of mud and dark waters into the light, our human soul should develop and unfold to reach perfection and enlightenment.

In fact, the leaves of the Sacred Lotus are perfectly water and dust repellent - thanks to microscopical surface structures that are recently copied by bionic engineers to produce pollution resistant paints, ceramics, utensils.

Nelumbo nucifera is rooted in the soil of a pond or river bottom, while its leaves float on top of the water surface. The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters. Flowers reach 20 cm in diameter.

Rhizoms are edible and used in Asian cuisine and herbal medicine. Also the nuts are edible and well tasting. “The lotus seeds or nuts are quite versatile, and can be eaten raw or dried and popped like popcorn. They can also be boiled down until soft and made into a paste. Combined with sugar, lotus seed paste is a common ingredient in pastries such as mooncakes, daifuku and rice flour pudding” (2).

Seeds are able to survive in river muds keeping their fertility for centuries. A 1,200 year old seed collected from an ancient lake bed in China is one of the oldest germinable seeds on record. (3)

> Click here to see the seeds.

The taxonomy of this remarkable flower has not really been settled yet. But one thing is for sure: Padma is a living fossile. Its existence on earth can be traced back to at least 100 million years (Sanderson & Doyle, 2001) (4).


References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelumbo_nucifera (1, 2)
http://cgi-host.uni-marburg.de/~omspezbo/nutzpflanzen/details.cgi?id=330 (3, 4)


The camera:

Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi, 2560 x 1920 pixel, sRGB, 51mm, F/5.6, 1/1000 sec., ISO-100; no tripod, no flash; 08.08.2004, 10:54.


Postwork:

Photoshop Elements - slighty cropped, downsized to web, selectively sharpened; brightness, contrast and saturation slightly adjusted.

The picture was taken in the Botanical Gardens of Parco Sigurtà.


Thank you for looking.
Have a very good day.
Argus, scottevers7, uleko, horia, wkshelton, Alex99, ellis49, marhowie, manyee, Janice, maheshpatil, star74, RAP, wallhalla15, anel, cedryk, herkingen, SkyF, c_rapp, TAZ, goutham_ramesh, metcher, TheMystic, ppmiranda has marked this note useful
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Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Shoot_Score: ... reminds me of a peonypeter_stoeckl 1 01-24 14:05
To Alex99: Thank you, Alexei.peter_stoeckl 1 01-02 16:21
To RAP: Thank you, Ricardo.peter_stoeckl 1 01-02 16:04
To ellis49: Thank you.peter_stoeckl 1 01-02 16:00
To Adanac: Thank you, Rick.peter_stoeckl 1 01-02 15:55
To loot: Thank you.peter_stoeckl 1 01-02 15:46
To uleko: "om mani padme hum"peter_stoeckl 1 12-28 16:10
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2006-12-28 5:18]

Hello Peter,
This is a lovely shot! Apart from the sharpness and composition, I think the contrast of the flower with the dark BG highlights the subject and the yellow center is a fine warm focal point.
Well done and best wishes for 2007!
Ivan

  • Great 
  • batu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1079 W: 293 N: 4497] (16383)
  • [2006-12-28 5:27]

Guten Morgen Peter,
diese Blüte hast du faszinierend ins Licht gesetzt - wirklich eine sehr ästhetische Darstellung. Blickwinkel, Tiefenschärfenbereich und Licht stimmen einfach.
Nach dem Anklicken des 'thumbnails' war ich schlichtweg begeistert. Punkte gibt es nicht für die Schönheit der Blüte sondern für die professionelle Art wie du sie präsentiertst.
Schöne Grüße, einen guten Start ins NEUE JAHR und danach viele bezaubernde Bilder,
Peter

  • Great 
  • jmp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1659 W: 95 N: 2273] (8415)
  • [2006-12-28 5:28]

Hi Peter,
Great details, beautiful colors, exact exposure, very well chosen pov to see every part of the flower and a complete and meaningful note complete a wonderful photo.
Hindu tradition found a right symbol.
José M.

Hi Peter,
Beautiful rich color saturation. Spot on exposure and perfect light have this looking stunning. Tack sharp detail. A beauty!
Scott

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2006-12-28 7:23]
  • [+]

Hello Peter,
Really wonderful shot of the Lotus flower, excellent focus, lovely colours and a very beautiful composition!
(The Tibetan Buddhists say a prayer that goes: "om mani padme hum" which means roughly "Hail to the jewel of the Lotus flower". Buddha is also very often depicted sitting in a Lotus flower.)
Many thanks and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Peter
Beautiful sharp photo of these magical flower. Very good job
And of course Happy New Year
Krzysztof

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5524 W: 722 N: 4163] (11276)
  • [2006-12-28 8:28]
  • [2] [+]

Hi Peter

Shear exquisite beauty in the extreme my friend. I need to add a WOW somewhere in here as well, so there, I’ve done it.

Immaculate work. Technically, artistically, and aesthetically it is without blemish. You seem to have had the end result perfectly in you head as it was produced with the utmost care and vision.

The composition is stunning and the colours are absolutely brilliant. The details on the petals and the delicate centre with the stamens of the flower are just perfect. This sharpness carry throughout the range of the DOF hence it’s completely lifelike. So much so that I just want to pick it and give it to my wife to score some major bonus points. The dark BG works excellently to highlight the lily and the lighting/exposure was masterfully controlled.

Great work my friend and TFS.
Regards
Loot

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2158 W: 224 N: 4749] (16656)
  • [2006-12-28 8:33]

Hi Peter

What a splendid photo!!!
I'm most impressed by the perfect light intensity and management here. I really love that!
Also the strong contrast beteen the brighter flower and the darker surrounding enhances all the features of the subject and isolates it very well, too.
The sharpness of the details is top-class everywhere and the excellent DOF gave you full focus on every edge of every petal.
The colols are also a key factor and theay are simply suberb, as well as the middle part of the flower which also present a lot of intrest due to a rather unusual shape.
A magnificent post, my friend!

Bravo, TFS and Happy Holidays!
Horia

Hello Peter,

Excllent colors and details, perfectly balanced photo, nice composed and capture BG POV DOF perfect great JOB,

TFS Kyle

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
  • [2006-12-28 10:26]
  • [+]

Hello Peter,
I'm usaully not one for flowers but you just made me a convert. This shot is just superb in all ways. I had to run and show my wife as soon as I saw it, she is equally impressed. Thanks very much, Rick

Hej Peter,
the light is wonderful and the colours are beautiful.
Sharpness and exposure are spot on.
I only wonder why you hide this beautiful picture in 2,5 years.Into my fav's
Great work, my Friend.

I wish you a Happy New Year

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2006-12-28 10:50]
  • [+]

Hi Peter.
At first instant my breath has grasped from seen. Further I have seen a to a pain familiar word "Minolta". And all has become clear for me. In hands of such artist as you, this device can work wonders.

Outstanding in its quality and beauty piece of art. Amazing lighting outgoing from the heart of a flower. Tremendous range of rose tones and outstanding sharpness and details of the petals. Delightful immersing of a flower in a velvet of a background.

BRAVO, BRAVO and BRAVO, my dear friend and Great Master.
Alexei.

Beautiful image Peter!
I think the soft light and colors are exceptionally well done :)
The detail, POV, and dark BG, make this an obvious a labor of love..and it shows.
Happy New Year mf.

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2006-12-29 0:57]

Absolutely exquisite on all levels, Peter.
I love the POV, the way the petals fall, exposing the pistils in the center. The colors are just gorgeous, brought out in perfect exposure. Details are superbly sharp.
A beautiful, beautiful shot.
TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3277 W: 148 N: 6163] (18832)
  • [2006-12-29 5:47]

Peter, you must be thrilled with this image - so sharp and clear, and soooo beautiful. Thank you, I love it,
Janice

And happy new year to you toooo.

  • Great 
  • star74 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 211 W: 3 N: 598] (2474)
  • [2006-12-29 10:49]

Hi Peter,
Wonderful shot great details and colors.
Well done.
Happy new year

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4432 W: 248 N: 4028] (13270)
  • [2006-12-29 11:34]

Hello Peter,
Magnificent flower close up.Colors,clear details,exposure,POV,framing,BG and composition are excellent.Happy New Year for you and your family too.
TFS...:-)

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2006-12-29 13:30]
  • [+]

Una de esas capturas que personalmente más me agradan y que tienen mucho que ver con mis actuales presentaciones Peter.
La calidez de los colores, el buen control de la luz para lograr ese equilibrio, la agudeza y foco exactos, combinados con un perfecto fondo.
Para completar la perfecta conjunción entre el punto de vista captado y el armonioso encuadre.
Una gran presentación, como tantas de las que has publicado este año en el que he tenido la suerte de compartir tan bellas imágenes y conocer gente como tú.
Gracias por todo.
Mis mejores deseos... Ricardo

One of those captures that personally more I like and that they have a lot to do with my current presentations Peter.
The warmth of the colors, the good control of the light to achieve that balance, the sharpness and exact focus, combined with a perfect background.
To complete the perfect conjunction between the captured point of view and the harmonious framing.
A great presentation, as so many of those that you have published this year in which I have had the luck to share so beautiful images and to know people as you.
Thank you for everything.
My best wishes... Ricardo

Hallo Peter,
da hast Du uns aber schon einige Zeit diese Kostbarkeit vorenthalten! Gratulation - ein Traum von einer Blüte. Keine Ahnung, was, wo und wie man aus diesem Foto noch etwas herauskitzeln kann. DAS IST EIN PERFEKTES FOTO HERR STOECKL!!! (ich muß wohl doch zum Augendoc - so etwas tagelang zu übersehen...) Ich kann mich nur wieder wundern, dass so ein tolles Foto "nur" so wenig Punkte bekommen hat. (müssen wohl noch mehr zum Augenarzt..ggg.) Auf jeden Fall ist des Foto ein Genuß für´s Auge und das Gemüt. ----
Ich wünsche Dir und Deiner Famile lieber Nachbar aus der schönen Stadt an der Donau ein glückliches und gesundes Neues Jahr.
Lieben Gruss aus Ostwestfalen
Heinz

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3053 W: 3 N: 8715] (40574)
  • [2006-12-31 10:09]

Hallo Peter,
Der symbolischen Perfektion des Lotus, steht die Perfektion Deines Bildes gegenüber. Da kann man nur noch staunen..(Witzig, dass Du das Bild in Italien gemacht hast).
Liebe Grüsse und nur das Beste für 2007
Anne

  • Great 
  • cedryk Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 50 N: 1722] (5270)
  • [2007-01-03 11:30]

Wow Peter,
It's an amazing image. I love the details and the unusual light effect. Perfect in every aspect.
Best greetings,
Michal

Gruss Gott Peter,
Amazing view of this Padma. Good colours and composition.
Best, Arie:)

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2234 W: 188 N: 1912] (8073)
  • [2007-01-04 13:19]

Hallo Peter,
das ist eine wunderbare Aufnahme. Die Bluete leuchtet von innen heraus. Die Bluetenblaeeter wirken fein wie Porzelan, eine super Bildschaerfe mit so feinen Details.
Ich wunesche dir ein Gesundes neues Jahr.
Sky

Gorgeous!!! and beautifully captured! TFS
Christan

  • Great 
  • emmari Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 105 W: 0 N: 387] (3105)
  • [2007-01-05 12:36]

Hello Peter
Of sure one of the best pictures of your gallery!
Regards.
Emmanuel

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2007-01-06 1:54]

Hello Peter,
Wow ! What an artistic composition. The flower is wonderful and stands out from the dark BG, the yellow center is also superb.
The "+++" : subject, POV, composition, light, exposure, sharpness, DOF, OOF background, colors, note...
The "-" : I can't find...
Congratulations my friend and happy new year !

Hi Peter,
The tones of pink and the contrast is amazing and the notes about Padma a Sacred flower is ultimate too. thanks for introducing this flower to TN in such a beautiful way. This flower is so holy you can see it in most of idols of our gods!!
TFS
Goutham R

Hi, Peter.
It's very nice. Lovely gentle colors. Excellent focus, exposure, sharpness. Well supporting dark BG. Looks great.

A wonderful picture, Peter! Amazing detail, dof is capturing everything. Love your notes, so informative!
Cheers
Otto

Peter, I find this photo outstanding because of the simplicity of it, the two main colours against the black b/g.

The soft pink, and the mellow yellow are gentle and well presented.

In many ways this photo reminds me of a peony. The stamens are so similar, just the seedbox is shaped differently, and also very unusual. The flower seems to glow from this centre. Magical! Thanx, Jay

Woow... i like this macro!
I like the color and saturation!
Great details!
BRAVO!!!!

Hi Peter,
This is gorgeous! The exposure is right on target. What a beautiful image, that background really emphazes on the pretty flower. :)

so lovely captured , nice macro

This is just a beautiful shot. I love the color and texture of the flower and think the background sets everything off nicely! TFS!

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