Marvin many thanks. I can see how to do it now. I no longer will need to shade out with my body - balanced on one leg while holding the camera perpendicular to that hoping the bloom is in the frame.

Aw shucks......weren't nuthin'

Thanks for the picture, Marvin. I can see how this would make a difference on a bright sunny day.

Marvin.

diggit said:...When a bloom is just right on a sunny day I use a diffuser that I have fashioned from an old picture frame (other things would work) with a piece of a Walmart bag stapled across it. It blocks the garish shadows and bright spots very nicely and yet lets plenty of light thru for a good exposure.

Excellent idea! I made mine from a wire clothes hanger. It's really light, but it would be nice if it was a little larger, because a bright, harshly lit background can ruin a picture. I tried window screen fabric first, because I use it a lot for plant shading, but it seemed to have a refractory effect on the light. It turns out that shopping bags are perfect.