Edelweiss

Edelweiss, a photo by PatrickH15 on Flickr.

Location: Dolomites, Belluno, South Tirol, Italy
Date: 10th, July, 2012
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 550D/Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Description: This image is probably recognizable for anyone who has seen the "Sound of Music" musical. It is of three Edelweiss, the flowers mentioned in a song from the musical. These flowers are very rare and can only be found in high altitudes. So, I was very lucky to find three of them like this next to some other flowers which provide appeal to the image. The Edelweiss flower is the symbol of purity and rugged beauty commonly associated with the Alps and Alpinism. It is also a national symbol of Austria, making it a perfect motif for my work. The flower is under protection as it is only short-lived and usually found in remote mountain areas. What I find fascinating about the flower is that when you feel it, its dense hair for protection from its harsh environment is as soft as a pillow.