Plants & Flowers Photography
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When I edit my photographs, I’m a purist (true colors, no manipulation) but this photograph is different, I feel it's "art" (a combination of both photography and art). That said, I thoroughly enjoyed adding my artistic and creative self to this image. Although the color version of this photograph is quite striking but I intentionally edited it out. “Why?”, because I wanted to add a gentleness to this otherwise high contrast flower. At the same time however I left the high contrast in the eye of the flower, which is this photo's focal point. My goal is to capture the viewer's interest first, and then their curiosity. Black-eyed Susans are considered a symbol of encouragement and motivation, which can be attributed to the plant's adaptability, thus popularity. It's also Maryland's official state flower. The name of this photograph came about by combining the "eye" in Black-eyed Susan and the fact that it was created by me, the "artist".
The "Desert Agave" grows in the lower elevations of the Sonoran and Majavi deserts where it is hot and dry. The leaves have a distinct cyan/bluish tinge and are quite thick, and can grow up to 27 inches in length. The pronounced teeth along leaf edges are dark-tipped, a third of an inch long, and like most agave the underside of each leaf bears a permanent imprint of the teeth from the once underlying leaf (created when the two were growing together). The black tips are really sharp so you don’t want to back into one by accident (!), as I found out not long ago when I recently transplanted one ....ouch! I cropped this photo so that it leans (if you will) towards an abstract view; notice how I’m only showing part of agave. I love the flow (the diagonal and horizontal lines), the “teeth” and subtle colors. This photo would look great as a stand alone statement piece or blend well with a busier desert photo.
With all the rain that California received this winter, I decided to visit Borrego Springs in hopes to capture some flowering desert plants. I wasn’t disappointed! In some areas, the desert floor was blanketed with color; purples, pinks, yellow and white too. The desert is sometimes referred to as the flowering desert and I could see why; I have never seen the desert so vibrant with color! I walked around for quite some time before I found this composition; one that would lead your eyes to the distant mountains (which adds to its overall scale). With my camera on a tripod, and only a foot from the ground, and only a inches from the foreground flowers, I used my wide angle lens. Then, I had to take multiple images and stack them (in post production) to get the depth of field I desired. The purple flowered plant are called, “Desert Sand Verbena’s”. They’re creepers that grow wild (and well after rains), in the sands of Mexico, California and Arizona and can cover vast areas (as I saw!). The sweet scented “Dune Evening Primrose” (the white flowers) grow to 18 inches tall and grow in clusters of up to 40 inches in diameter. They can be found in all of the southern states, especially around sandy dunes. They also go by other names, including; Desert Primrose, Birdcage Evening Primrose, Devil’s Lantern, Lion-in-a-cage and Basket Evening Primrose.
I loved the color version of this photograph however when I considered the peaceful emotions that I wanted this photo to evoke, I decided to convert it to black and white To create interest and balance, I cropped this photograph in an unconventional way. Then, to further accentuate the flower I added texture to the background and just a hint of yellow to the flower (called a Yellow Salsify). Although an artist wants their work to demand attention in a space, sometimes a more simple and calming piece of art is better suited
Also known as the “Arizona Poppy”, these seasonal poppies can be difficult to find, yet if the conditions are right (as they are this year), they flourish and can cover the desert floor and hillsides in fields of golden yellow. I’ve searched for these delicate poppies for a few years but I’ve only found a few but because of the unusually wet weather conditions of late, they are flourishing… everywhere! Today, the usually drab desert floor is full of color; with lush green grasses and a variety of colorful desert wildflowers too. It’s quite something to see! This photograph was taken (literally) at ground level, with my 14mm wide angle lens and a small aperture; which creates the star (no filters were used). I rested my camera in my hand (on the ground) only inches from this poppy and although it was a tricky shot, it worth getting dirty for! :-)
As many of you already know (from a previous entry), years ago I had quite a run-in with Cholla (also known as a jumping Cholla for its tendency to drop pods that blow in the wind). They’re barbed needles are very sharp and very sturdy so when they penetrate the skin they’re like a fishing hook they’re there to stay. I have deep respect for this cacti; good luck removing them painlessly! This photo was taken within Brown’s Desert Ranch; a public land use area (parkland), just outside of North Scottsdale. I arrived well before sunrise so that I had enough time to find “the” perfect composition of Pinnacle Peak (a famous mountain), but walked away empty handed, until I spotted this on the way back to my car. The Cholla grows in a higley piggly fashion. With its random branches of various heights and widths, they usually grow in clusters (which often block the way!). This one caught my eye because it was just so symmetrical and balanced; an anomaly!
Over the years I have seen a lot of sunflower photos but my goal here was to create a unique and unusual photograph; in such a way that it would draw unique interest. It was at least 8 feet tall and with its (full grown) weight it was drooping heavily. Fortunately, I was able to stand right under it which gave me the perspective I wanted and the bounced lighting the ground provided. As I stood staring at the sunflower from underneath, I noticed the rainbow of colors in its center, the linear patterns and the variety of textures. I took a few shots from the left, and then from the right but when I composed this shot I knew instantly that IT was the keeper!
Over the years I've grown to appreciate and love all art, and it occurred to me one day that art is so much more than my personal taste or a first impression but that there is an "art" to observation. To stop and look beyond our first impression we see the subtleties in the details and gain greater appreciation. That said, when I approach a scene (or peace of art), it's more about how I see the scene than my first impression. This photo is a prime example. At first, I only noticed the vivid pink leaves (!) but with an intent to observe, I noticed a beautiful blue truck was parked behind the trees, which resulted in this myriad of color.
“The Devoted Lily” A large part of photography (these days) includes the manipulation (if you will) in post production. Although I’m a purist at heart, I am enjoying the artistry and creativity it provides; which has expanded my photographic life and world. Although the color version of this photograph is quite striking, I intentionally snuffed out most of it. “Why?”, because I felt it added softness to this already tender photo, and subsequently a greater sense of emotion (calm). Equally important, are the subtle hints of color which help define the subject. My goal is to capture your interest with emotion, and then with curiosity. The Calla Lily symbolizes purity, beauty, faithfulness, holiness and new beginnings (that’s you often see them in wedding bouquets). That said, on closer examination you’ll notice words of admiration hidden within this photo. I titled this photograph, “The Devoted Lily” for all it symbolizes. NOTE: I intentionally left the teeny bug on the Lily.... in real life NOTHING is perfect 😊
Coming up with a unique, impactful and fitting name for a photograph isn't easy. I consider the subject, it's location, a mood, or a message it evokes. That said, I felt a my favorite message (quote) was most fitting for this photo, "To Rise Above".... “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius
“Rise from the mud and bloom out of the darkness” …unknown author. I had taken some photos of lily pads before and then I realized afterwards that I really hadn’t paid enough attention to the varied colors. So, when I stumbled across these lily pads I took a moment to study the colors, and not just the lily pads but the reflective blue sky and the shadowed darkness as well. Then I considered the patterns, and asked myself, where does my eye enter the scene and where do my eyes want to settle? This is called flow, which is a very important artistic element in this particular photograph because without it, your eyes would endlessly wander. That said, notice how your eyes enters this photo from the bottom left, and then flows and settles on the lilies at the top right.
This is a water lily, though it's hard to tell in black and white. I stood on the shore of a beautiful mountain lake and marveled at this lily for a long time. It was among the lily pads and was highlighted in the reflections of the blue waters I only had my short lens with me, and there was no way I was going to get a photo of it unless I went into the water.... oh boy. Reluctantly I threw off my shoes and waded in. The water was SO yukky but the temptation was too great. As I stepped into the water I had to concentrate on something other than the the slimy, dirty, leach and bug invested environment that I subjected my feet to... truly, it was so gross! LOL, those that know me know that I'll do most anything for a good shot but this was stretching my comfort level. :-) This is the photo I chose, and I chose to be artistic with it. Notice the line behind the flower? It's the glistening water droplets on a leaf behind the lily. My Grand daughter's name is Myla Lily, and so I named this photograph after her. An enlargement hangs in her bedroom.
The poppy is a very delicate flower. In editing, I switched the original to black and white and then added some softness and texture... which together, depicts the poppy's fragility.
One of my favorite types of photography is abstract. Abstract photography can is presented in so many forms but I personally enjoy what I call, “Earth In Abstract”, which is essentially the way I see the earth (in an impressionistic way). As an expressionistic photographer, I hone in on linear lines, repeated patterns, strange formations, unusual markings, bold colors and contrast. Equally important in abstract photography however is its composition and cropping; both of which can “make or break” an abstract. That said, although it may be easier to break some the compositional rules in abstract photography, I do remain committed to my personal photographic boundaries (which makes each abstract photographer uniquely different).
The morning sun casting was casting its warm rays on this cholla while Superstition Mountain was still in the coolness of shade. Apache Junction, Arizona.
A large part of photography these days, includes the manipulation (if you will) of the photograph afterwards. Although I'm a purist at heart I am greatly enjoying the creative and artistic touches that are now available to me through photo editing; it has expanded my photographic world. Although the color version of this photo is quite striking, I snuffed out most of the of the vibrant colors in post editing. "Why?", because it added a softness of this photo and subsequently it adds emotion. Also, notice that the first thing you see is the color, and then you look beyond the color and your eyes wonder. My goal then, is to capture your interest first, and then have you look beyond your first impression. The Calli Lilly symbolizes purity, faithfulness and holiness, thus you often see them in wedding bouquets. On closer examination you'll notice words of admiration inscribed in this photo.
Flowers have a specific meanings and are symbolic to their meaning. Cultural influences inspire these meaning and are often gifted because of their meanings. A rose, for example, is a well known as a symbol of love and romance. The Daisy, symbolizes purity, innocence, true love, harmony , hope and new beginnings. The daisy is a perfect gift to those in need of a little sunshine in there day; hence I named this photo, "The Gift". The daisy, just like the person you gift it to, is beautiful, tender, kind and a ray of sunshine in your life.
"The Floral Edition" was created by blending three photos. Flowers (from a visit to Butchart Gardens), a newspaper and a cloudy sky. In keeping with the black and white newspaper, I chose to convert the flowers to black and white, then added a hint of color and texture. Look for others that match this style.
