SEVEN LADIES OF THE NIGHT © 2000Big Cypress Gallery, FL
When we bought Leon Wilden’s Orchid Isles property, he and his son removed all of the orchids. We were actually thankful for that because we were interested in the property for the beauty of its natural diversity. However, Leon left one orchid for us to remember him and that was the Ladies of the Night. Whenever it blooms we think of Leon and the uniquely amazing individual that he was.
The Lady of the Night orchid is named for its nocturnal powers of seduction. It begins to emit its citrusy fragrance in the early evening to attract its pollinator, a nocturnal species of moth. This photo was taken in the “backyard” of Big Cypress Gallery. The misty effect was caused by the lens fogging due to humid conditions.
This photograph is hand-printed in Clyde’s darkroom on fiber-based paper, selenium toned, then mounted and matted to current archival standards. The photograph is a limited edition and signed by Clyde.
Disclaimer – Cropping, contrast, and image density may vary. To learn more about the darkroom printing process, click here.