A few days ago, I posted some images of Dog-tooth Violets that were recently found in a Missouri woodland (Dog-tooth Violets Beginning to Bloom). These images showed the violets in a state of “partial bloom”, with the flower visible, but the petals are still hanging down. As the blooms mature, these petals arch upward, resulting in a splendid display. Here is one of these beauties in full bloom, with the petals upright around the bloom (this is a focus-stacked image of 5 separate images, to get a greater depth of field, while still rendering the background out-of-focus): 
I also found a few more violets that were captured “stuck in time” with the petals making their upward move, but not quite there: 
I absolutely love seeing these guys as they announce spring is in full-swing! Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 7D body
- Canon EF180mm, f/3.5 macro lens
- Bogen 3221 tripod, with Kirk Ent. HD ballhead
- ISO 400
- Aperture f/4
- Shutter 1/500 sec. to 1/3200 sec.