“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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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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or my website (some images available for purchase)
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Ed Lehming Photography 
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