“A capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It is the key, or one of the keys, to the already solved problems. And not only so. It gives a relish, and facility, for successfully pursuing the [yet] unsolved ones.”
― Abraham Lincoln
This one is a new plant for me. While hiking on Sunday, I caught a brief flash of burgundy a short distance off the trail, from the corner of my eye. As I looked from a distance, I could not make out what I was looking at. So, I decided to step off the trail to investigate.
My first step into the trail put me ankle-deep in water, which I was not aware of. I then proceeded carefully, stepping from log to log, approaching this cluster of unknown plants. It’s yet another of those, “How did I not notice theses before?”, moments. How did I not notice that the trail was also paralleled by water, beneath the undergrowth? Perhaps it has to do with the exceptional amount of rainfall we’ve had over the past several weeks. Perhaps, this water-loving plant only grows in particularly wet years?
Setting up my tripod enabled me to make several images of this wonderful and mysterious plant, though I was still challenged to get a good, sharp image, by an ever-present breeze, even at a fairly high ISO.
On my return home, I followed my routine of reviewing the images and trying to identify the plants. I could not find it at first, but after flipping through a few books and internet resources, I finally identified it as Water Avens, which now makes perfect sense to me, given that it was growing in water!
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/20 sec, f/10.0 ISO 800
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“When one tunes in into nature’s frequency, life becomes change, change becomes hope!”
― Aniekee Tochukwu Ezekiel
The honest truth, over the past few weeks, it’s been difficult to photograph anything that is not either dew covered, or rain-soaked. As my previous few posts have indicated, it has been WET here. To the point where I finally had a chance this past Sunday to take a brief hike in the local forests.
Even at that, it was still a bit dull, with the occasional break of sunlight. The combination of the two made it possible to get some nice photos of wildflowers, which I will be sharing over the next few days. While the dull clouds allowed for deep, saturated colours, slight breezes also meant I had to shoot at a slightly higher ISO than I like, to compensate for the movement of the flowers, which, though negligible to the naked eye, is magnified in macro imagery.
Despite having to make some modifications, the images of wildflowers at this time of year are very nice and the dew drops give them a serene feeling. Something most of us can use more of.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/13 sec, f/16.0 ISO 800
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Pink and tiny,
you sparkle from the forest floor.
Sweet and delicate,
you lead to summer’s warmth,
from late spring rains and mist.
– Ed Lehming
This delicate pink flower, Herb Robert, is in fact, a native Geranium. While a far cry from the fancy hybridized varieties we see in gardens, this diminutive wildflower is still quite lovely.
I made this image during my recent forest hike, just after the rain had stopped, so everything has a nice fresh feel to it. The plants are quite low to the ground and since I did not want to lay right down to get a better angle, this one had to do.
My recurring thought during these forest walks is constantly, “Why did I not notice these before?”. I’ve spent most of my life enjoying the outdoors, yet seemed to have missed the finer details, which I am very happy for now. As I’ve mentioned before, I think being more deliberate about my photography has, by default, made me more observant, which I am ever more grateful for.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/160 sec, f/9.0 ISO 800
High Resolution Image on 500px
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“It is easier to tell a person what life is not, rather than to tell them what it is. A child understands weeds that grow from lack of attention, in a garden. However, it is hard to explain the wildflowers that one gardener calls weeds, and another considers beautiful ground cover.”
― Shannon L. Alder
As I mentioned yesterday, it’s been too long since I had the opportunity to go for a good hike, leaving time to enjoy and photograph the many wildflowers along the way. This Bunchberry is one of the many late spring wildflowers I encountered, in the wet and mosquito filled forest near my home.
I find myself ever vigilant for blossoms I have not yet encountered and some of the ones which are quite common. The bunchberry is not overly prevalent in this particular forest, isolated to a few patches just off the trail, so it was nice to find one, with a nearly pristine blossom.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/160 sec, f/9.0 ISO 800
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“I wanted to unfurl my toes for a little while. I wanted silence, isolation and an invitation to exhale life’s complications. I heard nature’s melody and I harmonised with every single note. I needed the trees, their colours, and the sounds of wildlife breathing. I inhaled the essence of the forest and smiled as life coursed through my veins”
― Amelia Dashwood
After several extremely busy work weeks and weekends filled with family events, I finally had a chance to get on the local trails again. It seem like such a long time since I’ve hiked this trail. It also gave me a chance to check on the progress of a large group of orchids that I discovered last year.
I’m pleased to report that the population is growing and should be in bloom in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, I was able to make some nice photos of the current bloomers, including this Clintonia borealis, also know as Blue Bead Lily, since the flowers each become a bright blue berry. They are beautiful, delicate flowers that grow in small clusters in certain spots along the trail.
As you can see from the photo, it had just stopped raining. The trails were near bog-like and mosquitoes rose in clouds from the damp underbrush. Ah, late spring in southern Ontario. If you think mosquitoes are a menace while hiking, you should try doing macro photography. Though I had the sense to spray myself with bug spray, the occasional mosquito still managed to fly into my eye or buzz annoyingly near my ears. I’m really looking forward to some warmer days, which will bring on the dragonflies and knock their population down a bit.
Till then, more damp days are in the forecast, ensuring the forest will be abuzz for some time.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/25 sec, f/11.0 ISO 100
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“Mindfulness is not chasing the moment but sipping the nectar of the moment.”
― Amit Ray
I noticed an interesting trend in my last few images, colours seem to have progressed from whites to pinks. It’s pretty obvious when I review my media library. The colour shift through the seasons has captured my attention over the past few years. I’d say I’m becoming a lot more observant as I spend time really paying attention to my surroundings, that includes these colour patterns.
Despite my aversion to bees, and other stinging insects, I keep finding myself going back to the rhododendron, enjoying all the activity. Besides, the bees are far too busy gathering nectar to pay any attention to me.
If you look carefully, you will find a black ant in the shadows also participating in the feast. Though not shown in this image, some small snails were also enjoying the nectar as well.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/400 sec, f/10.0 ISO 100
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“A garden should make you feel you’ve entered privileged space — a place not just set apart but reverberant — and it seems to me that, to achieve this, the gardener must put some kind of twist on the existing landscape, turn its prose into something nearer poetry.”
― Michael Pollan
Many years ago, my mother brought me some columbine seed from her home in Vernon, BC. She referred to them as Mountain Columbine, but they are actually Aquilegia vulgaris Nora Barlow. For me, the fact that they come from her garden, in the mountains of BC, made the name stick. They are so different to the garden varieties we have in our area and they grow very well here as perennials which seed themselves out. They produce what I call a ‘mobile’ garden, since they are seldom in the same location twice and have surprised me in how far afield they travel. I just found one plant on the opposite side of the house from last year’s crop.
They have also travelled back to BC, as my mother asked me if I had seeds to spare. Hers had been winter killed and she now had none in her garden. It’s nice to be able to send them back to the source, knowing our gardens have these same shared plants in them every year. A connection over the miles. Yes, a love of gardening and flowers seems to run i the family. My grandmother’s garden was a thing of wonder and many of her seeds have found their way to my garden, though mine is a far cry from the stunning flower beds she once had.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“They say you start weaving clearer, sharper memories after you’ve been to a place at least twice. Because then the reflection is more of validation. Let the rush come to you and let your senses be flushed the first time. There will be time for reflection after you’ve had your fill.”
― Psyche Roxas-Mendoza
For the past few days, I have been focussing my attention on the rhododendron in our backyard garden. It’s my first time with this beautiful flowering shrub and I’m enjoying watching it bloom.
What starts as cones at the tips of the branches soon changes to colourful clusters which burst into flower, one at a time. The blossom pictured above is an example of that process. One single flower, the first and fresh, has just opened. You can see the rest of the cluster just behind it. That cluster will open, one at a time over the next few days and remain in bloom for several days. As you can also see from a post yesterday, bees love these flowers and end up coated in pollen as they move from bloom to bloom.
From what I have read online, rhododendrons can be a challenge to maintain, as they require specific soil Ph, as well as moisture and the right amount of sunlight. I suppose this will become my ‘challenge’ plant. I’m hoping to keep it going for many years, it brings such brightness to our garden in a time when we eagerly await our summer bloomers, like peony, to brighten up our little oasis.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/200 sec, f/7.1 ISO 100
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“Grace is neither gentleness nor fragility. Grace is treating yourself, others, and even inanimate objects with respect.”
– Kamand Kojouri
This is the image I was after when I made the image in my previous post. This is my first year planting rhododendrons and I’m not sure why I did not do it earlier. They are absolutely stunning to look at, and loaded with large beautiful blossoms, which seem to remain for a long time.
The blossoms are interesting close up, as in this image, where all the structures can be seen clearly. Coupled with watching a bee seeking nectar and literally fighting past the stiff stamens. That seems, as is often the case, to cause the bee to spend a longer period of time exposed to the flower’s pollen. If you look back at my prior image, you can see the bee is completely coated in pollen from these flowers.
Because the flowers grow in large clusters, I removed a single blossom to photograph in my studio, as efforts at using my mobile setup were thwarted by fairly windy conditions. Please spend a few moments with this blossom, there some really interesting structures to be enjoyed here.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.5sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
― Ray Bradbury
I went out this morning to photograph my rhododendrons, which are now in full bloom and was greeted by a hungry bee, who was busy flying from blossom to blossom, completely laden with pollen.
I’m usually a bit skittish around bees, yet having camera in hand seems to have turned that feeling off. I was fully engaged in making a few good images of the bee feeding. Of the entire series, this one appealed to me the most. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0 ISO 100
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“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. … In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportsmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.”
― John Lubbock
This was, at one time, yet another ‘mystery’ plant that came from my mother-in-law’s garden when she moved. Many plants had finished blooming at the time she moved and I just stuck them into convenient locations and waited to see what emerged the following spring.
I almost weeded this one out, as it looks a lot like wide bladed grass when it leafs out. Then, suddenly, it’s filled with lovely white blossoms. I looked it up in one of my plant books, also discovering it’s yet another ‘non-native’ plant, imported from Eurasia and Africa as an early flowering garden plant. Of late, I’ve been sharing my photos on an amateur botany site and get some interesting reactions when I post ‘non-native’ plants. So, I think I will hold off on this one.
I made this image between frequent rain showers, which have been so prevalent the past few weeks, and the water droplets give it a nice effect.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/250 sec, f/7.1 ISO 100
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“I think I like wildflowers best,” I explain. “They just grow wherever they want. No one has to plant them. And then their seeds blow in the wind and they find a new place to grow.”
― Rebecca Donovan
The first wave of pinks is on its way. Dame’s Rocket looks a lot like garden phlox. In fact, at one time I used to call it phlox. Around here it varies from pure white, through various hues of pink and purple. I’ve also deliberately planted it in my garden, but it has a mind of its own, favouring the open field beyond my fence. Only a few stragglers remain in the garden where I planted them.
It is most enjoyable watching the cycle of colours, from the whites of late spring to the current wave of pinks, purples, and yellows. With all the rain lately, I think I may have missed most of the flowers trees. I’m hoping to get out a few evenings this week to see what’s new.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/10 sec, f/29.0 ISO 100
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“If people did not love one another, I really don’t see what use there would be in having any spring.”
― Victor Hugo
This flower is my sure sign of spring. Though it was a bit late this year, due to cooler, wetter days, it still managed to bloom in May. There always seem to be a few hardy specimens that bloom early, despite cooler weather.
May is a busy month of celebrations in our family. It’s my wife’s birthday, my anniversary, my mother-in-law’s birthday, and my oldest daughter’s birthday, within a two-week span. And the lily of the valley is usually part of those celebrations, adding its sweet fragrance throughout.
With its brilliant white, bell-shaped flowers, it proved a bit more of a challenge to photograph that I had first thought. Either when whites were blown out or the green leaves were too dark. I managed to finally find the balance and am sharing it here.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
or more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/125 sec, f/7.1 ISO 100
“The early dew-falls that did a pristine coating,
over the woods with its finest transparency,
glazed as like its wet white-glassy earrings that hung on the ears of wild flowers—unlatched my fancy.”
― Nithin Purple
The spring flowers continue, including fresh strawberry blossoms in the backyard. The plants are volunteers, likely from seeds deposited by a bird. The plants have spread throughout a corner of the garden and have in past years produced sparse fruit, which is quickly eaten by birds.
I was out yesterday morning after a brief shower had passed, leaving the leaves bejewelled with droplets of mist. The composition was just ready for a quick snap. It leaves me with an impression of freshness.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/50 sec, f/14.0 ISO 100
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“God give me work, till my life shall end
And life, till my work is done.”
I married her youngest daughter twenty-six years ago and have grown to appreciate a loving a caring mother-in-law. Through good times and bad times, she has been a constant example of solid faith and patience. Always ready to help in any way she can.
This short post really does not do justice to what she represents to me, and my family. We are just so happy to have had her in our lives for so many years. So, today we celebrate 90 years of love and caring. 90 years loved.
The wonderful cake pictured above was made by our neighbour, as a centerpiece.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/29.0 ISO 100
“Forget-me-nots… She loved those flowers more than any other in their big beautiful garden or in the whole wide world for that matter. They were sky blue, just like his eyes, they held a promise… Forget me not.”
― Melanie Sargsian
Well, here I am, back to living flowers. It can be partially attributed to the rain finally letting off, for today at least. It’s been terribly wet this spring, and even as I write, sun streaming in my window, dark clouds loom to the west, so it may be a short-lived reprieve.
I did take the opportunity this morning to step into the yard and snap a few photos of my early bloomers. Amongst the planted flowers, I keep getting clumps of Forget-Me-Nots. “Volunteers” from a previous neighbour, I usually weed them out quickly after their first blooming, lest they take over. Such a beautiful, delicate little flower, yet prolific in seeds.
Since the morning light was soft and indirect, I was able to keep the background a bit more muted. Along the theme of my studio work, I like to be able to isolate the blossoms, so that I can focus on them alone, without visual distractions in the background. In this case, I believe it also compliments the image and adds a bit of mood to the scene.
Of course, shooting outdoors, with even a very slight breeze, required a faster shutter speed and wider aperture to keep the image crisp.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/100 sec, f/9.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“At the temple there is a poem called “Loss” carved into the stone. It has three words, but the poet has scratched them out. You cannot read loss, only feel it.”
― Arthur Golden
The title for this image came to me right away, though I’m not sure I fully understand it yet. The ‘nodding’ of the fading blossoms invokes images of weariness, not death. This is the stark contrast I find when photographing these blossoms. They are tired looking, yet often brighter than they were in their prime.
It is inevitable, what comes next, the endless night, a passing from this world. Yet, there is the final brightness, which for some reason, I have become keenly aware of lately. As in the quote above, it has become more of a feeling than something that can be expressed effectively in words. It leaves me pondering the image and the multiple feelings it’s invoking for me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“I want to hold the hand inside you
I want to take a breath that’s true
I look to you and I see nothing
I look to you to see the truth
You live your life
You go in shadows
You’ll come apart and you’ll go blind
Some kind of night into your darkness
Colors your eyes with what’s not there.
– Mazzy Star
My recent fascination with the colour, texture, and form of dead or dying flowers continues. It seems strange, at this time of year, with all the new growth, that I am struck by another form of beauty. Perhaps it’s the brevity of these blossoms that has me wanting to document them as they wither? There is a real beauty, and stunningly vibrancy to the colours, which seem to intensify as the petals dry out.
The drying process also causes them to open up and reveal previously hidden structures.
As I considered this lovely purple tulip the song “Fade Into You”, by Mazzy Star, with its haunting melody, came to mind. Once more, I’m not sure why, but that seems to be the way of things lately. I’m hoping some day these connections will be revealed and it will all make sense.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/29.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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This week’s submission to Norm 2.0‘s Thursday Doors.
Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos from around the world.
“Royal Ontario Museum – Events Entrance”
Today, A return to the east side, and the former main entrance of the Royal Ontario, or ROM, as it is known locally. This image was made at the same time as my previous ROM door image back in March. These doors, are a closer view of the right hand door of the three sets of doors that make up this entrance. This image shows off a bit more of the beautiful carving above the door. On further inspection, which was not possible from the wider image, the iron florets and handles are also very interesting and it would appear that the right handle door handle was broken and repaired at one time.
As the sign says, the doors are used for, or were at one time used for special events, though I can’t recall ever seeing anyone use them.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/120 sec; f/1.8; ISO 32
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“The lilac branches are bowed under the weight of the flowers: blooming is hard, and the most important thing is – to bloom.”
― Yevgeny Zamyatin
It’s hard to believe that May is almost over. It seemed a long time coming and has passed all too quickly. I also tend to measure time in familiar events. An example is tied directly to lilacs. When my wife and I married twenty-six years ago, we waited anxiously, hoping that the lilacs and lily of the valley would be blooming. Plans had been made to incorporate white lilacs from her family’s home farm into our decorations, as well as her bouquet. So, we waited, as a cooler than normal spring passed and finally warmed, producing both lilacs and lily of the valley, just in time for our wedding.
This year followed a very similar pattern, and on our anniversary date, a few hearty lilacs where blooming, as well as a lesser number of lily of the valley. I can also recall the roadsides virtually festooned with lilacs as we drove south to Vermont for our honeymoon. It brings a smile to my face as I see the roads once more adorned with these beautiful, fragrant bushes and think back fondly to when we started out on this journey together. All is as it should be and every year brings a promise renewed.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
I came across yet another near-expired tulip. This one’s petals reminded me of a dancer ,with arms outstretched to the sky, spinning and dancing in the sun. It would appear a final flourish is in order.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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These miniature pansies are in the planter next to my front door. I made the image a few days ago but held of sharing them. Once more, the simple beauty of something commonplace is a wonderful thing. So, here I am, posting from my iPhone from my camper near Bancroft on a rainy Sunday afternoon. A bit of colour to brighten a dull day.
“To only see ‘death’ in death is to somehow assume that death itself is a barrier so abrupt that God Himself is halted by it. To see ‘life’ in death is to understand that death is a sprawling horizon to a new beginning that God created long before death ever thought to show up.”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough
Finale, is the only word that came to mind as I viewed this final image of the garden tulip I have been photographing for the past few days. Every time I think it is done, it hangs on another day, its form altered, yet still beautiful, even in its passing.
For me, this is the final flourish, bright colours and textures intensified through the distortion of the wilting petals. And so, this blossom takes its final bow and I’m reminded of the joy it’s brief beauty brought to our home, now also remembered through a simple image.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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Alliara petiolata
What at first glance looks like a scraggly weed, growing in profusion along railway tracks, turns out to be a beautiful, interesting plant close up. I find myself guilty, of late, of not taking the time to look at some of the more mundane plants that grow in my area, north of Markham, Ontario.
This is a prime example. I’ve seen vast patches of Garlic Mustard but never taken the time to really look at it. I’m learning daily to appreciate the little things, which surprise me, when given time.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/400 sec, f/16.0 ISO 400
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“Your face is marked with lines of life, put there by love and laughter, suffering and tears. It’s beautiful.”
― Lynsay Sands
I’m having a strange fascination with flowers past their prime. The colours and textures seem to intensify, albeit briefly, as they dry out, just prior to falling from the stem. Some, seem to hang on for quite a while, while others fall off at the slightest touch.
The tulip above has captured my attention for the past several days, as it sat on our kitchen table, slowly changing form. The grooves in the petals became more pronounced, as the petals dehydrated. The flower’s ‘face’ opened up more and more, to the point where it was almost flat. I looked at it today and the petals are pulled right back, just hanging on.
It’s also one of the trio I shared earlier in the week.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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Tiarella condifolia
The above is another of what I categorize as the ‘second’ wave of spring blossoms. This, like the others I’m posting are predominantly white. The foamflowers are quite abundant this year. I really had no idea how beautiful they were till I got in close.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/80 sec, f/16.0 ISO 400
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“Dream in colours, for hues are vibrant.
Paint each day with a smile.
In days of past, don’t grieve;
Make new deposit to the pleasant memory bank!
Let your life be a reason for others to LIVE.”
― Somya Kedia
Once more, the effects of the black background surprised me.
When I selected this carnation from a bouquet, I did so because I saw some potential for a very ‘punchy’ image. The carnation, on observation, had a nice blend of coral shades and a very satiny texture.
As it turned out, they presented themselves in a very dramatic way under studio lights, further enhanced by the black background. The swirl of colour seems to almost have movement to it. It certainly is nice to be able to preserve these images for future enjoyment as the carnation was part of a bouquet my children gave to my wife in celebration of her recent birthday.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
2.0 sec, f/45.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
or more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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Cardamine piphylla
With rainy days, busy workdays, as well as event filled weekends, I seem to have missed several days of spring blossoms. Despite this, the ‘next wave’ of blossoms is now starting to show. These tend to be primarily white flowers, starting with trilliums, which are well advanced as I write this.
These Toothworts are plentiful, yet I seem to have overlooked them in previous years, unless this is an exceptional cycle for them?
I’ve made a point, since photographing wildflowers, to research the names and habits of the flowers I photograph as well as to expand my ability to visually identify them. Fortunately, I have lots of books and online resources available, though I’m finding many books have sadly inadequate photos to help me identify the plants. I’ve also joined a local group of amateur field botanists, where I can post photos and ask for help in identification and hopefully, be able to provide good photos to the group for their own enjoyment.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/40 sec, f/18.0 ISO 400
or more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“If only these treasures were not so fragile as they are precious and beautiful.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I got out for a quick walk at lunch today and came across these delicate blossoms. I’m not sure of the exact species, but it looks like some form of wild cherry, perhaps Pin Cherry. The light was just right to use my portable background to isolate the blossoms from the background, giving the whole thing the look of a Japanese painting.
One thing that poses a real challenge in outdoor photography, using this method, is movement caused by wind, even a light breeze, so there is an element of careful timing and a slightly higher ISO to compensate for the faster shutter speed.
It’s a very simple composition and I’m often left a bit dumbstruck at how wonderful simple can be.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
0.5 sec, f/36.0 ISO 400
High Resolution image on 500px
or more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
Ed Lehming Photography 
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