The Lady's slipper (above) and the Painted trillium share the same habitat along a hiking trail on the hills above Lac Beauport, a half-hour's drive north of Quebec City. Both are flashy, spectacular flowers and a pleasure to encounter during a forest walk. The trillium is easy to spot and to photograph since its very white petals marked with a red "V" face upward towards the sun and viewer. The lady's slipper is much more discrete, low to the ground and often hiding under taller plants. Photographing it requires some effort. Getting the camera down to its level (between 30 and 40 cm off the ground) and looking through the view finder is an athletic feat, especially with a heavy backpack. I knelt and crooked my neck to take this shot at f/8 and 1/80s hand held. My shotting buddy, Jean-Yves, suggested using Live View that would allow a lower camera position without the bent neck. Probably the best control and composition would be achieved by getting supine and using a tripod. Perhaps next time!
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