Red dahlia flower photographed against dark background with directional lighting.

High-contrast photographic study of a dahlia specimen with approximately 30 layered petals arranged in radial geometric progression. Color temperature gradient spans from crimson at petal edges through mid-tone orange to pale yellow at outer margins. Central disc exhibits purple-black pigmentation creating chromatic focal point. Lighting produces sharp shadow definition beneath petal structure against deep teal-black background. Green stem and bud visible in upper left quadrant. Horizontal composition emphasizes bilateral symmetry of floral arrangement.