This little chapter on photographing the blues is based on what I have found that gives the best rendition of color of the flower under the conditions I have experienced and the films I have used. I say "best rendition of color" because even applying this information does not guarantee success nor true color.

As noted in the articles, the blue coloring in Cattleyas is a difficult one to identify and to capture on film. Under incandescent light, most blues cease to be blue. Films which are rich in color usually are made in such a way that the great variance of the blue end of the spectrum does not have a major effect on the color. Unfortunately, it is the fine blue coloration which we wish to capture.

I have found that bright midday shade gives the best condition for photographing the blue color. The film I use is daylight type Ektachrome, which seems to capture the blue tones more readily. Kodachrome is used on other colored flowers with good success - but not with the blues.

To enhance the color, an 82A filter may be used as well. However, the blue resulting from the use of the filter is not an accurate one, but does bring it more in line with the true color.

I always take a number of shots, with and without the filter, and with a range of exposures. After development, I select the ones which are closest to the actual color by direct comparison to the flower, if possible.