06/01/2026
Discover two of my latest fine art photography pieces, “Orange Day-Lily (Hemerocallis fulva), Columbus, North Carolina, May 2026” and “Orange Day-Lily (Hemerocallis fulva) At Night, Columbus, North Carolina, May 2026.”
If you’re interested in these images and wish to add them to your collection, feel free to reach out to me directly. I offer a range of options to bring this artwork to life in your space—whether you prefer a stunning high-quality print, a striking canvas piece that adds depth to your decor, or a beautifully framed and matted presentation for that sophisticated finish. With an assortment of frames, mats, and glass options, you can personalize it to perfectly reflect your style and complement your surroundings.
As a passionate photographer based in the heart of Columbus, North Carolina, I have had the privilege of traveling across the globe, capturing breathtaking moments and the unique tapestry of our world. Each photograph I take is not just an image; it's a narrative filled with the beauty and complexity of life that surrounds us.
Thank you for being a part of this artistic journey with me. I hope my work ignites your imagination and resonates deeply within you.
Camera always ready,
-J.S. Dale
The story behind these two photographs of brilliantly colored daylilies begins in our own front yard. I happened to notice the flowers glowing in the sunlight and decided they would make perfect subjects for a pair of images—one captured in daylight and the other at night. Because the blooms were growing very close to a chain-link fence, I needed to create a clean, uncluttered background. To solve this, I attached a piece of dark gray matboard to the fence, which provided a simple, neutral backdrop that allowed the flowers to stand out.
For both images, I used a Canon 90D camera paired with a Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM lens, zoomed to 248mm. The camera was mounted on a sturdy Bogen 3036 tripod with a Bogen 3047 head to ensure rock-solid stability. The ISO was set to 100 to achieve the highest possible image quality and sharpness. (I’ve included these technical details for the camera nerds who might be curious about the setup.)
For the daytime image, I set the camera to f/5.6 with a shutter speed of 1/60 second. This combination allowed enough light for a well-exposed image while producing a pleasing separation between the flowers and the background. For the nighttime image, I kept the composition the same but dramatically changed the exposure settings to adapt to the very low light. The aperture was stopped down to f/36, and the shutter was left open for 90 seconds, creating a long exposure that captured just enough ambient light to reveal the blooms' form and color against the dark background.
To minimize any possibility of camera shake during the long exposure, I used mirror lock-up on the camera, along with a two-second timer and a remote shutter release. This careful attention to stability helped preserve fine detail in the petals and ensured a crisp, clean final image.
All of that technical preparation leads us to the photographs themselves. In both images, the flowers are rendered dramatically against a nearly black background. This isolation of the subject from its surroundings directs the viewer’s attention to the deep, rich colors of the petals and the graceful, arching lines of the stems.
The blossoms have been compared to flames leaping out of darkness—like a fire burning against an inky, starless night. I find that description very fitting. The saturated reds, oranges, and yellows seem to glow from within, suggesting heat, energy, and movement even though the flowers are perfectly still.
One detail I find especially intriguing is that the night photograph features a daylily—an inherently time-bound flower, named for the brevity of its bloom. Capturing a daylily at night creates a subtle tension between name and reality, day and darkness, expectation and surprise. It’s as if the flower has slipped out of its usual role and taken on a new identity under the cover of night.
My hope is that viewers of these images pause for a moment and bring their own interpretations to what they see. Some may focus on the technical aspects; others may respond more to the mood, the contrast, or the symbolism. Whether you see flames, lanterns in the dark, or simply two beautiful flowers caught in a quiet moment, I hope these photographs invite you to look a little more closely—and to find something of your own in the glow of these daylilies.
Discover the published works of fine-art photographer J.S. Dale, presented in three exquisite photography books that invite you to slow down, look more closely, and experience the world through light, color, and sacred space.
Explore the collection:
• KYRKJE OF… An Unorthodox Translation Of “Church” In Photographs - revealing spiritual architecture in unexpected places.
• The Balance of Light in Five Portfolios – A luminous study of contrast, shadow, and illumination.
• The Spectrum of Color in Five Portfolios – A vibrant celebration of color, emotion, and form.
Each volume features powerful imagery, thoughtful compositions, and museum-quality presentation—perfect for art lovers, photographers, and serious collectors.
Bring gallery-worthy work into your home and rediscover the beauty of seeing.
Experience the photography of J.S. Dale today.
Order your copies today on Amazon and bring J.S. Dale’s photography into your home.
