Darcy Johnson
July 2026 - Passion Flower Clematis
About the Image(s)
This flowering vine is Asian Virginsbower, also known as Asian Clematis or Passion Flower Clematis. It has been tapped for essential oils, prized in aromatherapy for a distinct fragrance, and has the potential for anti-inflammatory and antioxidative uses. The clematis is a nectar source for bees and butterflies. Surprisingly, it also serves as a natural indicator for zinc presence in soil.
This image was captured in Tacoma, Washington in my nephew's garden. Beyond standard processing in post, I added a radial gradient and removed some distracting flowers and other bits from around the edges.
ISO 32, 3.3mm, f/2.4, 1/150sec
7 comments posted
Hi Darcy,
This a very interesting image. The trellis creates a nice pattern and flowers allows my eyes to wonder around the image. The edges of the image looks like a natural vignette,
and keeps the eyes in the center of the image.
Thanks for sharing. Best regards,
Greg Posted: 07/11/2026 18:30:55
This a very interesting image. The trellis creates a nice pattern and flowers allows my eyes to wonder around the image. The edges of the image looks like a natural vignette,
and keeps the eyes in the center of the image.
Thanks for sharing. Best regards,
Greg Posted: 07/11/2026 18:30:55
Hi Greg - I appreciate the thoughtful comments. Posted: 07/15/2026 20:56:00
Hi Darcy,
A really well?composed image. I love the balance of those three main colours - they stand confidently on their own without anything else competing for attention. The background bricks (at least I think they're bricks) add a nice textured, slightly grungy feel that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the flowers, and the timber formwork anchors everything nicely.
Your choice to use a radial gradient works well. It gently pulls the viewer toward the main cluster of flowers.
One small suggestion: you might experiment with lowering the luminance on the flowers in the lower left. Softening them a touch could give even more strength to the top cluster as the main subject of the composition. Just a thought - the image already works really well as it is. Posted: 07/14/2026 06:23:32
A really well?composed image. I love the balance of those three main colours - they stand confidently on their own without anything else competing for attention. The background bricks (at least I think they're bricks) add a nice textured, slightly grungy feel that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the flowers, and the timber formwork anchors everything nicely.
Your choice to use a radial gradient works well. It gently pulls the viewer toward the main cluster of flowers.
One small suggestion: you might experiment with lowering the luminance on the flowers in the lower left. Softening them a touch could give even more strength to the top cluster as the main subject of the composition. Just a thought - the image already works really well as it is. Posted: 07/14/2026 06:23:32
Hi Tom - You do see a brick wall. If you look closely, you'll see three different types of fencing behind that trellis. There is wood fencing that they put up to cover up the neighbor's chain-link fence. The wood fencing (and chain-link fencing) ends where it runs into the brick wall which runs at a 90 degree angle. The trellis and clematis were put in place to cover it all up and I must say, is pretty effective overall.
As for lowering the luminance - nice suggestion. I'll give it a try next time I'm in LR. Thanks - Posted: 07/15/2026 21:05:00
As for lowering the luminance - nice suggestion. I'll give it a try next time I'm in LR. Thanks - Posted: 07/15/2026 21:05:00
Hi Darcy. I can almost smell the fragrance after your great description. I like the square composition which is enhanced by the wooden grid. Everything in the frame is tack sharp which enhances the composition and your radial gradient also adds to the effectiveness of the image. My only suggestion would be to clone out the partial bloom on the upper left edge. Posted: 07/14/2026 18:46:19
Hi Ingrid - I appreciate the observations. I can remove that partial bloom - easy fix. Thanks - Posted: 07/15/2026 21:08:55
Hi Darcy,
Greetings my friend.
What an amazing composition you have shared with us this edition. Passion Flower Clematis seems like creeper genre.
I like the white flowers and the green leaves in the frame and the framing is amazing. Your nephew's garden is surley pretty neat and resourcefull. Thank you for sharing. Nothing more to add. Thanks and cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 07/20/2026 13:18:18
Greetings my friend.
What an amazing composition you have shared with us this edition. Passion Flower Clematis seems like creeper genre.
I like the white flowers and the green leaves in the frame and the framing is amazing. Your nephew's garden is surley pretty neat and resourcefull. Thank you for sharing. Nothing more to add. Thanks and cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 07/20/2026 13:18:18