I’d like to start this post with a “special treatment” I made recently, to one of my originals so that it looks a bit different. I like to experiment. It’s too hot here in SW Virginia, but so it goes … in summer. The following images might make you cooler.
Walking around our neighborhood, when it’s no too hot and humid, on a Saturday morning, I spotted lots of colorful flowers showing me their beauty.
I like to make photos of flowers close up, primarily because there is so much more detail than one might see in passing. I’m happy to say that all of these images were made with my iPhone 7 Plus, using a really nice App (Camera +) that has an easily accessible macro mode, as well as an image stabilizer to help get sharper photos. It’s all pretty amazing actually, given how much I have invested in professional grade photo gear. And which I’m a bit sad to admit isn’t used that much any more. I could sell it all, but I’m not ready to do that. Anyway, have a look. (Check out the small Bumble Bee and Japanese Beetle that made each image a bit more special.)
I have a love for photography, and all that involves. Amateur variety of course, but that matters not. Coinciding with the Father’s Day period now underway, was an opportunity for me to spend time with two of our grandsons, one of whom made this really nice photo, which I asked him to share with me, it being so nicely done. Thanks, Brandon!
So, I couldn’t resist early one morning after a night’s rain in the Western North Carolina mountains where our daughter lives, to make a few close up images of my own to add to the flowery beauty so well captured by Brandon. Isn’t life great?
There is a very large Magnolia Tree across the street from our home. Every year at this time the sweet fragrance of its large-petal blossoms add much to my day. But, alas, it’s gone far too soon. Within a day or two the petals fade from ivory white to faded brown and then fall off. But, it I catch them just right as I did recently, I’m rewarded. Magnolia trees are an iconic part of living in southern regions of the United States. I’m glad I’m there to enjoy the beauty.
May time flowers and bushes make for a special time in SW Virginia. For me and my camera. And for you reading this. The lens of my iPhone 7 Plus captured each of these photos, and the more I use it, the “sadder” my other single-purpose cameras become. Technological progress. Or, if one is a “purist”, maybe not so much.
Here in SW Virginia we’re seeing a lot of activity in terms of flowers opening up to display the beauty of Springtime. I love it, but it all seems to pass so quickly that I’m reluctant to stay inside and miss something special. So,today, after a recent rainfall, I went out walking and here’s what I saw.
Each of these images were made using my iPhone 7Plus camera. My photo life has changed significantly since I got this wonderful device, mostly because I always have a superb camera with me while walking around our SW Virginia neighborhood. This month and the last has seen much warmer than normal temperatures and that’s caused many Spring flowers to bloom quicker than I’ve seen in years. I made these photos this week and I’m glad I did. Why? Well, it’s predicted to get much colder, with freezing weather, possibly with some wet snow. Mother Nature always seems to even things out. The lesson learned is to take advantage of good weather when it comes. Happy Spring to all!
When I bought this Weeping Pussy Willow tree as a present for my wife on her birthday last May, it was essentially bare limbs. but with promise to leaf out nicely. When I planted it in our back yard near the house I had no idea what it might look like later, but was quickly rewarded with lots of green leaves and long thin hanging limbs which grew so fast I had to prune them often to keep them off the ground. It was in sum a nice looking tree through the summer. About two weeks ago I began to see fuzzy looking, bright white buds slowly open that give this interesting and fast growing tree its name. As this unfolded before my eyes I deemed it appropriate to make some close up photos.
Each year in February, but never so early in the month here in SW Virginia, the bright green stems of one of my favorite flowers start pushing their way up out of winter’s ground. I’ve not seen so many in full bloom about our expansive yard, portions kept well maintained by hired hands, because my back and legs aren’t up to it any more. I’m mindful of that, but not so much when I’m walking about with camera in hand looking to see what I can find on a sunny day. My wife suggested I needed a special “Daffodil” post, so here you go.
