Water lilies are now blooming at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which recently has become my favorite place to explore with my camera. Yesterday I could see lots of them in a distant pond that was not accessible. I was happy, though, to be able to capture this image of one that was just within range of my zoom lens.
Water lilies are so exquisite that a single bloom is sufficient to fill me with a sense of beauty and tranquility. Is it any wonder that water lilies were the main focus of Monet’s artistic production during the last thirty years of his life?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wow! That’s a very nice photograph, Mike. I love the color and the reflection.
I love water lilies and your reflections in this photograph are so beautiful!
what an interesting composition!!!! Beautiful!!!!1
Water Lilies are a favorite of mine. They are associated with rebirth and optimism, probably because they endure. The white ones are symbolic of peace and pleasure…the very traits that you expressed. Your photo is a perfect capture of the flower in all its glory. A lovely gift! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
Did by chance you take any photos of the large saucer like leaves with water drops at the center?
Outstanding photo!!!
Thanks, Molly. I have seen those kinds of leaves in the past and love how they collect water, but in this case I was so far from the water lilies that I couldn’t see the individual leaves. I hope to visit another location soon where I will have closer access to the water lilies.
Wonderful capture of the reflection, Mike, with an interesting tilt.
It’s hard to find a more beautiful flower!