Spotlight: Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show 2023
Always my favorite display show at Phipps each year is the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show. This year's theme was Origin Stories, highlighting the classification of orchids and the cultural influences behind the living botanical art form of bonsai.
The Palm Court opened up into hanging baskets of orchids of various shades of pinks. I have been loving how open the Palm Court feels now after the renovations. There is so much light and it feels much larger, especially when the display goes all the way to the ceiling.
Next up is the Sunken Garden room, which is always a delight. This room has one of the most dramatic time of day changes from morning to the lights at dusk.
Today I brought along my Canon 70D, Canon 55-250mm EFS IS lens, and Canon 50mm 1.8 EF lens. I plan for each lens to get a lap around the conservatory and only using that lens. By putting everything in a locker, it helps me to focus on what I have available in the moment to frame, focus, and use. I have found this very helpful when using the prime 50mm lens. That way I have to learn to frame quickly without the assistance of the zoom, which I often use for wildlife.
This morning the sun was shining and looked inviting, despite the 4°F reading on the car dashboard. Sunshine is always wonderful to shoot with in Phipps, lighting up the rooms with indirect bright light. It allowed for more playing during today's photo adventure. The color theme of past years was softer yellows and greens, but for 2023 they went bold with hot pinks, purples, and lots of texture! Admittedly, my focus is typically the orchid species for this yearly display.
I love going early morning and late evening, using the angles of the light. Sometimes the light even creates natural spotlights on certain plants. I like to use the spotlights to get some more dramatic shots.
On the other half of the conservatory is my other favorite rooms, the Orchid Room, Fern Room, and Stove Room. This time of year it is nice and warm.
Of course the show wouldn't be complete without some bonsai love!
During the second lap, I focused more on details. With the 50mm lens it was also fun to play with the depth of field a little more, since it does down to F1.8. The softer backgrounds bring out the lines for the orchids and sharpen them by contrast.
These small blooms were only about an inch long. The shorter depth of field helped to accent the top bloom.
I love when they display green or brown orchids!
Fern always have the coolest details.
Finally wrapping up the show tour, I went back to the Palm Court to enjoy some green.
Thanks for joining me on my Phipps photo adventure!
