Cindy you're funny.Just go on to the next flower,and chalk this one up to experience.

Hi Cindy - when you said that some of your previous attempts to capture this image were "too glarey" was that because the white of the "beards" was blown out and overexposed? I ask because I would have said this photo could have done with a bit more exposure, and also perhaps a bit more contrast to make the "beards" stand out more clearly.

I agree with Golda that some subjects are really dificult to capture well, and with digital cameras this is often to do with their relatively poor ability to distinguish detail in highlight areas of the image. When you have a fluffy image such as this one it makes it even more difficult because there's little edge detail to work with, so techniques such as sharpening are not much use in trying to give the subject more "bite" if you understand my meaning.

So I suspect that getting closer, and finding a time when the light is more contrasty, would be two things worth trying - but not worth breaking your neck over!

Steve

I have found that certain colors are hard to photograph.Unless there are some strong shadows that create depth within,the image lacks something.Try,try again,and maybe higher up,then closer to the beard itself might work.