Category: Macro/Closeup

Day 94 – Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Both of my Hydrangea bushes are in full bloom right now. So, I decided to take the 28mm Lensbaby Velvet out to see what I could come up with. The challenge with the lensbabies is finding the right focus point. I nailed it on this one. I added one texture and masked it out over the main two flowers.

Today’s quote is from Nancy Rotenberg:

We live in a culture that views idleness as something slovenly, lazy and non-productive. It is only when you stop and reflect that you can be filled and recharged. What you photograph today could be the result of yesterday’s “idling.”

Day 91 – Dahlia

Dahlia

This Dahlia is still awaiting planting in a bigger pot but it rained the day I meant to go buy a pot so we’ll hope it gets one soon. Meanwhile it is very photogenic.

Today’s quote is from Seth Gordon from his blog post Why jazz is more interesting than bowling:

Jazz is practiced over a thousand or perhaps a million dimensions. It’s non-linear and non-predictable, and most all, it’s never perfect.

Day 85 – Red Poppy

RedPoppy

I stopped by North Mountain Park this morning looking for red poppies. There were a few but they were almost done. Guess I should have gone last week. But, I did find a few and I managed to get this one in focus.

It’s Sunday as I write so time to turn to a new source for quotes. This week I will be looking to the books of Roderick McIver. Today’s quote is from John Ruskin:

The object in life is to find that undertaking, that occupation with which you have infinite patience.

Day 80 – Hydrangea

Hydrangea2

Happy June! I went out to water the potted plants this morning and noticed that my Hydrangea had come into full bloom while I wasn’t paying attention. Still experimenting with the Velvet 28 and finding it quite wonderful. It is also new texture day in the texture club so I had to try out one of the new offerings which gave me just the look I wanted.

Today from Julia Cameron:

As artists we “see things differently.” In part, this is because we are looking.

Day 78 – Rose

Rose

While walking Cody around the neighborhood I have been noticing some Roses with delicate pink edges in the landscaping. I put the 28mm Velvet on the M3 and headed out this morning. Unfortunately the sun was so bright I could not get a properly exposed image until I finally let my body cast a shadow over the flowers. This was the only one that came anywhere near what I had in mind. I walked around looking at all the white roses in the shade but none of them had the pink edges so I’ll have to try again on a cloudy day.

This week we will turn again to Julia Cameron:

Creative energy is energy. When we are worrying about creating instead of actually creating, we are wasting our creative energy.

Day 74 – Shore Acres

ShoreAcres

It’s been a long day of driving and photographing. But the highlight of the day was visiting Shore Acres Gardens. I’ve never been there before when the Rhododendrons were in bloom and all I can say is Wow, just Wow. I tried to chose the photo that best told the story. I was working with my Lensbaby Velvets so yes the focus is a little soft. That is intentional. But like the Rhodies in front and the color around the little caretaker’s cottage. I also like the mist filtering through.

So, Matthew Fox is downstairs and I am tired so I turn today to Julia Cameron who is close at hand:

Allowing art to move through us without impediment means resigning as its author. The work must be allowed to author itself, to take on the shapes and colors that it prefers.

Day 73 – Calla Lily with Leaf

CallawLeaf

Cody and I finally escaped for a day and a half at the coast. I had wanted to go “glamping” in Coos Bay but the place I had in mind had a two night minimum so I turned to old reliable Bandon Inn which has pet friendly rooms and even greeted Cody with a toy and a treat. He is a bit exhausted from his first road trip so I decided to forego the beach until tomorrow and we just took a camera walk around Old Towne. I was surprised to find giant Calla Lilies all over town. But I especially like the texture of the leaf that had landed on this one. I may have to go back a work it a little more to bring out a little more texture in the lily. But for now I think I will follow Cody’s example and have a little lie down.

Today’s quote is from Dr. Clarissa Estes:

It is the love of something, having so much love for something–whether a person, a work, an image, an idea, the land, or humanity–that all that can be done with the overflow is to create.  It is not a matter of wanting to, not a singular act of will; one simply must.

 

Day 72 – Ladybug

Ladybug2

I had an idea to shoot again in the studio this morning but while walking the dog I noticed the ladybugs on my neighbor’s flowers. She buys them special to keep down the pests. So I grabbed the 180mm macro lens and went at it.

Today from Matthew Fox:

Built within every creature is this yearning, this drive to communicate itself to others. Creativity will not be denied. It lurks deep within.