There was a backdrop and a flash (a small octabox actually) used. A backdrop-flash might be best called a hairlight!
Sorry to disappoint you, but this photo has virtually no grain whatsoever! That is the texture of the surface of the tulip and some natural wind blown dirt. This was shot with a Canon digital and a long macro lens. The iso was 100. The backdrop was slightly enhanced to make it uniform in Photoshop and the edges of the tulip were slightly feathered to prevent them from looking harsh which is generally a problem at times with this level of contrast.
If there was grain you'd see it across the entire surface of the picture.
drg Yes I like it a lot. I am not at the level of most people who post here and am learning as I go. On second look I see what you are saying about the dirt/grain. I like the contrast alot.
