“One by one they were all becoming shades. Better pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age.”
― James Joyce
This was a spur of the moment photo of three tulips from my garden, which graced my table last week. I watched as they cycled between open , during the day, and closed, by night. Each day the open cycle became more pronounced and after a while, the hardly closed at all.
Yesterday, I noticed that they opened wider than they had in the past and were looking a bit past their prime. I came up with the title for the image before I made it, seeing the blossoms as part their ‘best before’ date.
It was fun shooting the grouping from various angles and lighting setups and just as I snapped the last frame, the yellow tulip dropped two of its petals. That made me smile, having literally captured the very last moments of the show, which was best before.
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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“Have you noticed how nobody ever looks up? Nobody looks at chimneys, or trees against the sky, or the tops of buildings. Everybody just looks down at the pavement or their shoes. The whole world could pass them by and most people wouldn’t notice.”
― Julie Andrews Edwards
While not quite the ‘punchy’ neon of yesterday’s dahlia, this more subdued blossom is still a stunner. The thing I enjoy most about these floral macros is the incredible detail.
Despite spending time looking at flowers, trying to observe the same, I find my eyes darting around and my brain ‘filtering’. It’s not till the image is locked in and isolated that I’m able to really see the details. I’m wondering if that’s unique to me, though I expect its how we’re all wired.
In this day and age of instant gratification and cell phones, I’m concerned that society in general is losing the skill of observation and true appreciation of the wonders in our world. Even images like this, garner a quick glance and a like. After all, with technology, we can always go back to it.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
6.0 sec, f/45.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“We are entering the Dark Ages, my friend, but this time there will be lots of neon, and screen savers, and street lighting.”
― Edward St. Aubyn
The title for this image came fairly easily, though a bit quirky for me.
With this past Sunday being Mother’s Day and my wife’s birthday, I have a profusion of flowers to photograph. There are many varieties of tulip, still not quite open, carnations, peruvian lilies, and a few brightly coloured dahlias. Some, like this one, make me wonder if they are naturally this colour, or if they are dyed. I suspect the answer is the latter. There have even been cases where I have seen them actually spray painted, as evidenced by bright red leaves.
In any case, this one had a nice shape and the colour sure is eye-catching.
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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“Warm Embrace”
“Don’t be ashamed to weep; ’tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us.”
― Brian Jacques
When I see yellow flowers lately, I think of my late father-in-law Maurice. He was a lover of yellow roses, and though roses are a few months away, the yellow tulips in my garden serve as a springtime proxy.
The tulips, as I mentioned in a previous post, come from my mother-in-law’s garden, so I’m sure Maurice had a hand in nurturing these flowers at some point as well.
There is something, a sense of life and vitality that comes from the colour yellow, something I truly miss in the dark days of winter. So, I am happy to say “Hello Yellow” when it presents itself in the warmth of spring.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1.6 sec, f/32.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
or more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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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.
“St. Mary’s Anglican Church” – Richmond Hill
Today’s ‘doors’ post is multipurpose. First of all, this church has a beautiful original door, circa 1874. I’ve shared the door, close up, previously, but wanted to share it again in a different season, when the building is not obscured by trees. Secondly, in small towns around Ontario, there is an event called “Doors Open Ontario“. It’s an opportunity for the public to go inside many buildings, be they historical, specialized, or just interesting, as see what’s behind the doors they pass daily. The Doors Open event for the town of Richmond Hill is this Saturday, May 13th, and I made the image for the church to use for the event as well as their service bulletins.
The final reason, for those in the Richmond Hill area, is that I have been asked to show some of my photography, alongside other artists who attend this church. So, it’s a good chance to see behind the doors, meet new people, and purchase some art.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/3700 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
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“The step that we are on is only a step to the next place, and no step regardless of how massive is ever a destination.”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough
It’s been cool here the past few days, and the daffodils are still blooming. A handful are still opening. So, I took that as an opportunity to create this image of the daffodil blossom in its various stages of opening.
I’m finding this an interesting exercise, noting that not just the blossom changes but also the angle of the blossom, which starts out low and then moves upward to face the sun.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1.0 sec, f/29.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
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“In this delicate and unpredictable life, the future is unwritten. Do not take someone for granted today, for once tomorrow dawns upon the indigo night the only remaining trace will be tracks in the sand…”
― Virginia Alison
I find myself once more, considering the delicate beauty of the Siberian Squill that grows in my gardens. Since I made the original image of the stunning blue blossoms a few days I keep going back to them with new appreciation.
A few days back, I photographed the flowers at the end of the day, when they had closed for the evening. The bright blue colour still dominated the frame and the fine structures of teh stem showed a bit more.
It’s interesting how we take simple things, like these small flowers for granted, without taking the time to see them closer and appreciate the things that can only be observed when proper time is spent with them. Very much like how we interact with people in this crazy, busy world. Like the flowers, their time with us may be brief. When they are gone, all that remains are memories, many of which, if we consider them carefully are not fully representative of the full person. Something for me to consider.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
0.5 sec, f/32.0 ISO 400
High Resolution image on 500px
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“Silence”
“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can’t.”
― Christopher Paolini
I find myself constantly going back to my time with the whales of the Baja. It was a deeply emotional time. As the associated quote states so well, there are so many things about this experience that defy language. Leaving me in silent reflection.
To see these beautiful creatures, in their natural habitat, rising gently from the depths and gliding next to our boat ,with virtually no sound except a gentle bubbling of the water, was a profound and life changing experience for me. The photos, while making great memories, pale in comparison to the actual experience, the combination of sensory perceptions of sight, sound, and smell are needed; even that is hard to articulate. There is a spiritual sense here, among the giants of the deep that defies expression.
So, I joyfully go back to the images and allow them to rekindle those emotions, once more placing in on the surface of the Sea of Cortez, sharing a brief moment in time with these magnificent animals, and silence prevails.
Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 220 mm
1/400 sec, f/10.0 ISO 200
“The flower that wilted last year is gone. Petals once fallen are fallen forever. Flowers do not return in the spring, rather they are replaced. It is in this difference between returned and replaced that the price of renewal is paid.
And as it is for spring flowers, so it is for us.”
― Daniel Abraham
Several days ago, I posted an image of a plant known as “Dutchman’s Breeches” and mentioned that a similar plant also grew in the area. I recalled making an image of it and went in search of that image. Here it is. I’m also noticing, by going back a year, that my photographic technique and style has changed significantly.
I also noticed that it was a year ago when I purchased my Nikon D800 and I have become very comfortable with it. I’ve also updated lenses to be a bit more task specific. Last year I used my trusty 70-200 f/2.8 to make this shot, and now the rain has finally stopped, I’ll be heading back to retake this image with my 90mm macro.
The year over year comparison is interesting in several aspects: I can look back at how I photographed and what I photographed. I recognize that my knowledge of native plants and wildlife continue to grow, and I see the subtle seasonal differences in weather and growth patterns over the years. I thought last year was quite cool, but this year has proven much cooler and much wetter, with more than our monthly May rainfall coming down over the span of a few days, and now a brief cool down. I’m still waiting on trilliums which were plentiful this time last year.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/80 sec, f/2.8 ISO 220
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“A man must dream a long time in order to act with grandeur, and dreaming is nursed in darkness.”
― Jean Genet
I decided to return to this dark purple crocus blossom once more. In my earlier post, I noted that it proved a bit of a challenge to photograph in this style because it is so dark. Yet, that darkness is also what created such beautiful lighting.
The only thing I would change at this point would perhaps be to do this as a focus stack so the entire bloom is focussed. Despite the narrow aperture used, the depth of field is still quite shallow and shows up, especially the with the stigma, whose slight softness is not appealing to me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
0.5 sec, f/32.0 ISO 400
High Resolution image on 500px
or more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”
― Pablo Neruda
I came across this small shoot, growing from the moss at the base of a tree earlier this week. Though I have no idea what type of plant it may eventually grow into, it was a curiosity to me, especially given it has, what appears to be, as single leaf. The sprout seemed out of place and there did not seem to be enough soil under the moss to sustain it, yet there it was.
Based on the nature of my subject and the colours in the background the image simply said “Spring” to me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/50 sec, f/4.0 ISO 400
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“Love, they said, burns you
and builds you.
But with you,
there’s no ash.
Just light.”
― Kamand Kojouri
I honestly could not think of a better title for this image of the same tulip that I shared yesterday. According to my mother-in-law she has had this variety of tulip in her gardens for some time, thus the ‘old’ reference. Also, I can’t get the image of a flame out of my head when I look at it. The mix of silky red and coral tones in the light are just stunning to me and it seems almost alive with movement.
This image was made yesterday evening, and the tulip, true to its nature, had begun to close back up again, accentuating the look of fire. I thought the side view would also provide a different and better view of this unique tulip, variety unknown.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
0.5 sec, f/32.0 ISO 400
High Resolution image on 500px
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“Gardening is akin to writing stories. No experience could have taught me more about grief or flowers, about achieving survival by going, your fingers in the ground, the limit of physical exhaustion.”
― Eudora Welty
Here’s another addition to my collection of spring flowers from the garden. It’s becoming a bit of a series that I’m considering naming “Facing the Flowers”.
This particular tulip came, as many of our flowers of late have, from my mother-in-law’s garden. When she downsized a few years ago, she could not bear the thought of leaving the plants she had tended for so many years behind. So, we made space and filled our gardens with her treasures. Now, all her work continues to yield wonderful flowers and she enjoys stopping by to see them.
She’ll be ninety-two years old this year and is past her gardening days, but still likes to offer some pointers on what worked best for her when it come to specific varieties. It’s also nice to drop off some cut flowers to her condo, so she can enjoy then at home.
Back to this tulip. It’s a bit of a unique specimen, in its shape and nature. The blossoms had opened up fully a few days ago, but by the time I had the time to photograph them, they had closed back up again, and remained that way for several days. Until yesterday, when they finally saw sunshine and decided to make another show. I took a cutting and brought it inside to my studio for a few photos. Then, I placed it in a vase with a few other flowers. The next time I checked it, it was closed again and has remained so all day. It would appear this is a sunshine only tulip. Based on the forecast of three solid days of rain, I guess I can’t blame it.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
3.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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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.
“Dundas Street West” – Toronto
These doors are conveniently located across from Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). I see them every time I visit the gallery and am always meaning to snap a shot. So, this past weekend, after seeing a wonderful Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit, I did just that.
There are a number of wonderful old houses on this block of Dundas Street West, most have become boutiques or galleries, catering to the AGO patrons, but several have remained as residences.
I do enjoy observing ‘paired’ doors, as each tenant seems to have a slightly different slant on what the entranceway to their home should look like. These to are quite similar, with a few subtle differences.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/340 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“Nothing is less real than realism. Details are confusing. It is only by selection, by elimination, by emphasis, that we get at the real meaning of things.”
― Georgia O’Keeffe
I’ve been wanting to make this image for a few weeks now, but the crocus did not cooperate, till now.
Just as temperature began to climb, heavy rain and wind set in, followed by yet another cooling. So, many of the blooming plants in my garden got delayed, once more.
The crocus has put up two blossoms so far, and this is the first. I decided to do a front on view, as it shows the wonderful structures so well. I have to admit that I am very pleased with this one. Of note, it took an extended exposure to show the structures of this dark purple bloom. Being freshly back from a Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario, her words echo through my mind, once more. My photography, of late, has been focused on pulling away, or elimination of, distracting details. I’m trying to show the true essence of the flowers, as I see them. It’s a worthy philosophy for living too, I think.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
3.0 sec, f/36.0 ISO 100
High Resolution image on 500px
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“You are the only guardian of your own truth, so know your truth and protect it at all costs.”
― Gugu Mona
This is an older photo which I find myself going back to from time to time. The photo was among the first I made with my then newly acquired 70-200 mm, f/2.8 lens. That lens has been my go-to lens ever since, despite it being quite heavy. It is just so very versatile in so many situations, from moderate zoom to close up studio work and event photography.
The image above is, to me, very calming. I enjoy the colour contrast of the golden cat-tails against the blue water as well as the fanned tail feathers of the blackbird, as it balances on the delicate stem. I can almost feel the gentle spring breeze floating over the water’s surface.
As with many of my images, I can still recall where this was made and the process of composing the photo. The bird was very cooperative and seemed to pose for me, which is rarely the case with birds in the wild.
Nikon D300
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/3200 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400
“Leaf on Log”
Here is my entry for Del Monte Y Mar’s Tuesdays of Texture Challenge Week 18 of 2017
I was challenged as to whether or not to post this image, as it is not framed to my satisfaction, and I did not want to edit it extensively and I was not happy with the various crops I attempted. Despite this, I was really drawn to the texture of teh complex leaf against the smooth, wet log when I made the image. So, here it is for your consideration, with my apologies.
I also noticed that this is my 750th blog post since joining WordPress. My, how time flies 🙂
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0 ISO 400
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“Everyday gratitude sweetens what appears flavorless and brightens all that appears dim.”
― Amy Leigh Mercree
Well, it’s another dreary, dull day in my area and I keep going back to a series of daffodil photos I made last week. I believe the variety is called butter and eggs, and I can see why that name was chosen.
What really appeals to me about these blossoms is the semi-transparent rear petals. They are so delicate looking, yet withstand the wind and rain we’ve had for the past few days. This single blossom is part of the trio I shared a few days ago.
I’ve had some of you mention that these images brighten your days, and I’m happy to continue to provide some brightness, knowing the sun will be back out soon enough and we can all get on with our spring activities.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1.0 sec, f/32.0 ISO 100
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“Steeple” – Reformed Church of Stone Arabia, NY
Here we are in May and with the profusion of wildflowers, I find myself lacking in any recent mono images. So, I’m back to the 2015 archives and an ancestry trip to the Mohawk Valley, in New York State, where my family originally settled after arriving from Germany in 1710. They came to America seeking a new life after escaping war and famine in the Palatine region of Germany.
When some of the natives of the Mohawk Valley saw the poor condition of the immigrants, they welcomed them to come to the Mohawk Valley to settle. The relationship between the Mohawks and the settlers was one of mutual trust and respect.
One of the first things these early settlers did was erect churches, few of which survive today because they were destroyed during the multiple wars and raids that occurred in this strategically valuable area.
When I arrived in Stone Arabia, searching for family roots, I came immediately across this church building, whose name I recognised from family records as being the church that was constructed by my ancestors and was their place of worship for many years. Despite wars like the French Indian War and the American Revolution, this building survived.
I made many images of it but this one of the steeple, with the churning clouds seemed to represent the history of this place the best.
Nikon D300
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 105mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0, ISO 250
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
― Plato
This turned out to a very simple image. I was given a few stems of forsythia to transplant in may garden and took the opportunity to make a few photos before they dropped their flowers.
I recall having one of these early blooming shrubs in the backyard growing up and then they seemed to vanish for a while. But recently , I’ve seen them more prevalent and it was nice to be offered a few shoots to try to root. I’m hoping they take hold, so we have a bit more colour in our yard in the spring.
Even these flowers, in their simplicity, are quite fascinating when you look closer.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1.0 sec, f/32.0 ISO 100
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“Spring dances with joy in every flower and in every bud letting us know that changes are beautiful and an inevitable law of life.”
― Debasish Mridha
And the flowers keep blooming. Every day more colours, more varieties, right from the garden or in the woods. It’s so nice be able to have this variety available and to be able to create good photos of them. As I’ve said previously, we tend to fail to appreciate the fine details in things we see. I see the flowers as beautiful, on first view, but am finding them utterly stunning when I get up close really ‘look’ at them
Now, I’m waiting patiently for some lovely coral tulips, that were given to us by my mother-in-law, to open up. They did it yesterday, but closed back up before I had a chance to photograph them. Today, it seems it’s too cold. Perhaps tomorrow? Stay tuned.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1.0 sec, f/32.0 ISO 100
High Resolution Image on 500px
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“If you wish to make anything grow, you must understand it, and understand it in a very real sense. ‘Green fingers’ are a fact, and a mystery only to the unpracticed. But green fingers are the extensions of a verdant heart.”
― Russell Page
It’s definitely not the most attractive name for this spring garden standard, but there you have it. In my area, there are a few rural properties where the entire yard is filled with this delicate blue flower, albeit for only a few short days, till they die off and grass dominates once more.
We have a small cluster of them in our front gardens and they are among the first signs of life in that particular flower bed. Fine grass-like leaves emerge for the cold ground, and after a few days of milder temperatures, the flowers appear.
I have to admit, this is yet another of those ‘taken for granted’ items that I have never taken the time to really look at, so it made a great subject to bring into the studio for a macro view. After the first set up shot, I looked at my camera screen and was stunned at how magnificently beautiful this slight flower really is. Seeing it in the garden, so diminutive, I would not have guessed at this, which has quickly made it one of my favourite floral images of the season.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1.0 sec, f/29.0 ISO 100
High Resolution Image on 500px
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“A picture held us captive. And we could not get outside it, for it lay in our language and language seemed to repeat it to us inexorably.”
― Ludwig Wittgenstein
I was hoping to get a few more images before the bloodroot stopped blooming and was happy to see I had not missed my chance. I took my portable studio with me in hopes of being able to find a few specimens that lent themselves to this technique. A small grouping, just off the hiking trail presented just such an opportunity and I set about making a few images.
The image above appealed to me the most, as it shows the freshly emerged plant, with the flower about to open, a very similar scene to my earlier post. However, the black background does its job in really isolating teh plant and forcing us to observe the details. It’s still my favourite method of photographing plants and works fairly well outdoors, if teh light is not too intense and the air is calm.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/6 sec, f/22.0 ISO 100
High Resolution Image on 500px
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“A little piece of everywhere I go becomes a big part of everything I do.”
― Richie Norton
Spring, has to be my favorite time of year. Not just because of the warming weather, but because every day has new discoveries, sometimes many. Having spent most of my life outdoors, I’m finding myself continually amazed at just how much of my world I casually ignored.
Becoming a deliberate photographer has transformed my world and how I see it. As the quote above puts it so succinctly, these little pieces of my experience have transformed me, they have become a part of who I am. Through my photography, I’m seeing the world in news ways, appreciating life in new ways, and loving it.
I think I also need to clarify a point above. By referring to myself as a ‘deliberate’ photographer, I mean I set out with a purpose. So, rather than just snapshots of events or casual observations of my day, I set out to really ‘see’ the world around me. I take the time to study a scene and compose my images to fully express what I have seen, with the hopes that this is conveyed to my audience. At minimum, it allows me time with the scene, allowing me to fully appreciate it.
In the case of the Dutchman’s Breeches above, I’ve seen photos of the plant in books, knew it grew around here, and looked for it, with no success. I made images of a close relative to it, Squirrel Corn, last year and did not notice that the plant in this photo was only a few meters away, as well as the bloodroot I shared earlier. Now I’m spending time observing associated plants and their related growing patterns. I can honestly say that I am learning something new every day and truly enjoying the journey.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/100 sec, f/18.0 ISO 100
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“Each beginning is the end of a waiting. We are each given exactly one chance to be. Each of us is both impossible and inevitable. Every replete tree was first a seed that waited.”
― Hope Jahren
This photo is now a few days old, but I wanted to go back to it to show the wonderful structure of the bloodroot, a native early bloomer her in southern Ontario. I have a real fascination with this particular plant especially because it is so unusual, as are many of the early plants, but Bloodroot holds a special place for me.
The plant itself, emerges for the ground as a small knob, barely visible and within a few short hours, grows to about fifteen centimeters, unfurls its ‘cape’ and blooms. I refer to the leaves as its ‘cape’ since they are tightly bound around the stem and open up like a cape or cloak, revealing the flower bud inside. It also opens quickly as the plant continues to emerge from the ground.
I happened to catch this one just before the blossom opened and it too, unfurls. I would love to do a time-lapse of this process some day in the near future. As it stands now, they have almost all bloomed and I will have to wait till next year.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/15 sec, f/36.0 ISO 320
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“Then came the healing time, hearts started to shine, soul felt so fine, oh what a freeing time it was.”
― Aberjhani
Indeed, the entire world around me is greening. The bleak frames of the winter trees now show a soft bloom of pale greens and yellows, as buds begin to open and small leaves begin to emerge from their winter shells.
It’s a great time of the year, days, its warming, plants flower, and life returns to my world once more, the inevitable cycle of birth, death/rest, and rebirth continues.
Over the past few days, I kept walking past these delicate poplar catkins, just knowing there was a photo to be had, but the light was never quite right. Yet, this past weekend, soft sunlight prevailed and the image was realized, hints of surrounding greenery in the background and small splashes of red from the Red-Osier Dogwoods which are interspersed in this small poplar stand.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/400 sec, f/10.0 ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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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.
“Gloria’s – San Jose del Cabo”
I thought it would be a good day to revisit one of my Mexico photos today. You see, I had the full intention to build a large collection of Mexican doors from this trip. What I learned was, never try to do it before 9:00am, as they are all locked up.
In this case, and in many others, not just the doors are locked with wrought iron gates, but so are the windows. This practice seemed to be quite common in San Jose del Cabo, a moderate sized town at the south end of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. The concept of locked doors has also been replaced by a preference for chains and padlocks, which was evident even on the modern doors of some of teh local banks.
Sadly, I was not able to return on this visit to get a shot of the door by itself, it looks like a beauty, so will have to plan a return trip 🙂
iPhone 5S back camera @ 4.2mm
1/2000 sec; f/2.2; ISO 32
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“It’s life that matters, nothing but life—the process of discovering, the everlasting and perpetual process, not the discovery itself, at all.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Oddly enough, I’ve gone out looking for these and stepped over them, not making teh connection. Yet, this past weekend while photographing a group of Wake-Robins, I noticed this fuzzy broad leafed plant with a little ‘bud’ or nodule at the base. Curious, I took a closer look and noticed that the ‘bud’ was actually an unopened flower. When I got back home I looked at one of my plant books and discovered that this was, if fact, the elusive Wild Ginger I had been looking for.
So, today at lunch, I made the quick walk to the forest and re-visited the plants, to be pleasantly surprised that the flowers were in bloom. How I could have missed them in the past still puzzles me, but as I looked around, I noticed that this small grove is quite limited in size. I’ll have to get back out on the weekend and see if I can find some more.
In the meantime, I am quite happy to have found them and be able to document their unusual blossoms, which are quite firm and bulb-like. The petals, similar to the Wake-Robin are a dark red to maroon colour, similar to flesh. This seems to be a common trait with some early blooming wildflowers which are pollinated by flies. The flower looks like a piece of meat. I did not stoop down to sniff them.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/115 sec, f/16.0 ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more”
― George Gordon Byron
Alone, but not for much longer.
Very soon, this Trout Lily will be surrounded by a sea of yellow blossoms.
Once more, I came across an isolated blossom surrounded by many other plants about to bloom. What became evident to me, as I made this low angle image was just how alone the flower ‘seemed’ against the backdrop of the forest. yet, it is not alone at all.
I spend much of my time on trails, in the forest, on the water alone. It’s a conscious choice I make. Being alone, gives me all the time I need to create my images and simply drink in my surroundings, my schedule is my own, the moment, my own. While I do love the companionship of my wife, family, or friends while hiking, that is a different experience altogether. It’s nice to share my sacred places, and talk about the experience, but it’s not the same as the solitary experience. Perhaps my blogging practice is a way for me to share those moments with others in a way that still allows me to ability to recharge in my solitude?
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/1050 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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or my website (some images available for purchase)
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Ed Lehming Photography 
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