What are your thoughts about this? I so far have hesitated to post any when I used flash, not sure if it is really giving it a natural look.

Yesterday, I found the first bud on one of my native Clematis. I was pretty excited since I put some in the ground last fall and more this spring. Not always do the natives flower their first year.

It was raining, so I did not have enough natural lighting and I wanted the photo at this time. I am sure there will be more buds later, but this is like a brand new baby to me. There are a few photos in the database that include buds, but not by themselves, so I am thinking of adding this to the collection. The leaves reflect a little from the rain, but I do not think it changed the coloring.

I have heard strong opinions for and against flash photography, so I thought I would ask before I bother editing the photo for web use.

Thank you.

I don't see a problem with flash. If they a good photos and you think they are a good representation of what the plant looks like then I would say add them.

LOL, I haven't heard anything stating that we shouldn't upload pictures when a flash was used and I've taken many a plant/flower photo using the flash, especially plants that bloom at night, light night blooming cactus. I used to go out on my screened porch at night to take flower photos using the flash. I agree with Jay, if the photo is a good representation of the plant in question you shouldn't hesitate to add it to the database.

Thank you for your comments. No, I hadn't heard anything here not to use flash. I just wanted to make sure it would be ok after reading on other forums some heated arguments for and against the use of flash. I have the photo uploaded now.

This is a flash photo I uploaded last year.

Jay, that is a beautiful Hibiscus shot using the flash! I had to use the flash to get photos of my night blooming orchid cactus that resided outside. These are my photos from a few years ago: