Broomweed flower head
The flower heads of broomweed, Amphiachyris dracunculoides, are small, only about half an inch across, but they can appear in large numbers on a single plant. On August 13th, when I took this picture in northwest Austin, few flower heads had yet appeared, so I got close and did a solo portrait.
© 2014 Steven Schwartzman
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I’m out of town for a while. Of course you’re welcome to leave comments, but please understand if it takes me longer than usual to respond.
Portraits of Wildflowers 
Very nice, Steve. The light is wonderful. I like how you have the stem just visible and fading into the background.
Steve Gingold
October 3, 2014 at 8:05 AM
I thought of this as light shining in the darkness; as you pointed out, the stem fadeing into the background serves as a link between the two realms.
Steve Schwartzman
October 4, 2014 at 12:07 AM
Hi,I have nominated you for Liebster Award. 🙂 Not much idea about awards but questionnaires are funny and I am looking forward to yours……http://roundworldnme.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/liebster-award/
ady
October 3, 2014 at 8:10 AM
I appreciate that, Ady, but I long ago decided not to participate in the award system. Instead, I’m content to let these posts and people’s reactions to them be my reward.
Steve Schwartzman
October 4, 2014 at 12:09 AM
I admit that I was a fool….Who am I to judge.. I have taken that thing down completely and also posted an apology…started my morning with a lighter heart..Have a great day 😀
ady
October 4, 2014 at 4:49 AM
Some people, including bloggers whose work I like, enjoy getting involved in blog awards, but that system just doesn’t appeal to me. If it appeals to you, then I don’t think you should feel bad about participating.
Steve Schwartzman
October 4, 2014 at 11:23 PM
I must admit I was carried away for a minute forgot my own principles but then conscience won in the end…
ady
October 4, 2014 at 11:52 PM
Lovely!
happyhomesteaders2014
October 3, 2014 at 10:31 AM
Welcome to the world of wildflowers in central Texas.
Steve Schwartzman
October 4, 2014 at 11:19 PM
That is gorgeous; I love the bold color and the wonderful detail.
Charlie@Seattle Trekker
October 3, 2014 at 1:19 PM
Thanks, Charlie. I like your description of the color as bold.
Steve Schwartzman
October 4, 2014 at 12:11 AM
Soo soo stunning. 😀
Raewyn's Photos
October 3, 2014 at 4:36 PM
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Raewyn.
Steve Schwartzman
October 4, 2014 at 12:12 AM
Oh … I like this one very well. Great light … very intimate … up-close-and-personal. Nice. D
Pairodox Farm
October 5, 2014 at 7:08 PM
Oh yes, a minimalist abstraction with a maximalist metaphor of light shining forth from the darkness.
Steve Schwartzman
October 5, 2014 at 9:38 PM
Dramatic and unusual lighting on this one. Nice….
kathryningrid
October 5, 2014 at 10:58 PM
Thanks, K.I. You’ve reminded me of the song that was popular four decades ago, “You Light Up My Life.”
Steve Schwartzman
October 6, 2014 at 5:18 AM
wow, dreamier than usual for you. Love it!
melissabluefineart
October 16, 2014 at 2:11 PM
You just reminded me of Stephen Foster’s song:
Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day,
Lull’d by the moonlight have all pass’d away!
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life’s busy throng,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chanting the wild lorelei;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E’en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Steve Schwartzman
October 16, 2014 at 3:50 PM
Oh, I love this song!
melissabluefineart
October 17, 2014 at 10:22 AM
A great classic in American song, no question about it.
Steve Schwartzman
October 17, 2014 at 4:41 PM