Block and reflect for fine-tuned light: This grafted plant was

photographed against a dark green background to set off its unusual

shapes. Once again, a 6-ft. white sheet reflected diffuse sunlight onto the

subject. To cut out contrasty direct sun and to block some of the blue

skylight, a dark cardboard baffle was positioned as shown in the diagram.

The soft, even reflected light delineates both the subtle shades of the

flower’s color and the fine spines of the base of the plant. Nikon FE,105mm

f/4 Micro Nikkor, 1 sec. at f/i 1-16, Kodachrome 25 film, camera on tripod,

mirror locked up.