The doctor will see you now

In addition to peonies, I also love clematis and have several varieties in the garden (10 at last count). I managed to drag myself away from the baby red squirrels for a bit to take notice of ’Dr. Ruppel’, one of my oldest and, quite possibly my favorite for its large striped pink blossoms. It never disappoints!  

"Pinwheel" (Clematis, 'Dr. Ruppel') Nikon D300, 70mm, F/8, 1/00, -0.7EV, ISO 200

These days, everything is blooming about one to two weeks ahead of schedule due to our ‘higher-than-normal’ temperatures (it hit 95 degrees today!). Doesn’t bother me – just means I need to keep pace!  

As for the Dr., I was happy to catch this particular blossom unfurling in late afternoon light.

He saved the best for last

Well, I thought my clematis vine, ‘Dr. Ruppel’, had completed its first flush quite awhile ago. All the blooms on my side of the trellis were gone and there were no buds left in sight.

Little did I know that a single, extraordinary blossom lay in wait on the other side for just the right moment to appear.

"Wrapped Up in Pink" (Clematis, 'Dr. Ruppel') Nikon D300, 70mm, F/6.3, 1/250s, -0.7 EV, ISO 200

A stunning reminder of why I fell in love with clematis in the first place!

Sans preconceptions

When I go out to shoot, I try to arrive with no preconceptions or expectations of what I will get. I tend to allow things to just happen, leaving myself open to the possibilities. What can I say? I like to be surprised.

Today’s adventure was a perfect example of this in practice. Now, I love my large-flower clematis vines. The blossoms never cease to amaze me!

One variety in particular called ‘Dr. Ruppel’ has enormous cotton candy pink blooms with a hot pink stripe down each petal. And, it is at peak bloom - sweet!

So, how does one of its really cool-looking buds end up being my favorite shot of the day??

It just does.

“The Doctor is In” (Large Flower Clematis ‘Dr. Ruppel’) Nikon D300, 28-70mm F/2.8D, 70mm, F/7.1, 1/320s, -1.0EV, ISO 250, SB900 TTL Flash w/Gary Fong Lightsphere Cloud, -1.3EV