Hotspot: Pacific Islands Zoom In @ National Geographic Magazine

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Hotspot: Islands of the Pacific

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Bountiful Beauty
Photograph by Tim Laman

Vivid as it is prolific, the Philippine ground orchid, shown here in Palau, ranges widely across the islands of Polynesia, Micronesia, and beyond. Of the 6,557 species of vascular plants in this hotspot, 51 percent are endemic—species unique to the islands where they evolved under the influence of different microclimates, flora, fauna, and terrain.

Camera: Canon EOS3
Film Type: Fujichrome Velvia 50
Lens: 100mm macro
Speed and F-Stop: Approximately 1/30 @ f/8

Weather Conditions: Overcast
Time of Day: Morning
Lighting Techniques: I used a single strobe held off camera.