Not only am I new to the boards here, but this is also my first post. I recently decided to buy a new digital camera to pique my interest in photography a bit. My current shooting mode of choice is in macro mode - making the smaller things come to life by blowing them up beyond preportion.

At first, I was fascinated with macro-insect photography, but it became a pain in the rear to try to track down bugs worth photographing. As my roommate is a plant fanatic of sorts, I found taking photos of flowers to be fun. Just when I was understanding the true beauty of flowers, I sit down and watch the movie 'Adaptation'. I didn't really understand why people would go to great lengths to grow these specific plants. Looking at them on the internet drew my curiosity a bit further, but still doubts lingered. On the way back to my place this morning, I decided to swing by a nursery and just have a look at them.... I bought three.

I would have waited until I got home to buy them from the site here, but... I guess I'm just beginning to understand the fascination with orchids. I already named my paph "Anabelle" because it is a good name for such a beautiful flower. So, without further ado, here is Anabelle, my first blooming orchid:



This isn't the greatest picture as I'm trying to find a better backdrop to bring out the full color of her flower..... but it gives you the general idea!