Tag: flowers

Flower of the Day: plus butterflies

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Inspired by: Cee’s Flower of the Day

 

butterfly garden

I am not sure what kind of flowers these are, but I was attracted by the massive butterfly presence. We are spending a few days in Vermont at the amazing Shelburne Museum. The grounds at this museum are full of gorgeous flower gardens. Yesterday the butterflies were everywhere.

I finally was at the right place at the right time. Camera focused.

This could also qualify as the “Butterfly of the Day” if there was such a challenge.

More photos planned for our second visit today.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Close up of Flowers

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Inspired by Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Close up of Flowers

I couldn’t let this week go by without responding to Cee’s challenge – since practicing with my new camera/macro lens is on my (fun!) to-do list.

And, oh by the way, I love taking pictures.

Since I prefer to photograph flowers in even light, today’s overcast skies were the perfect setting. All good…except for the impending rain and thunderstorms forecast on my trusty (or not so trusty) weather app.

We have a “landscape committee” in our condo association – and despite their committee drama – they do a nice job with flower choices and placement. At least I think so. Not everybody does…hence the drama.

Today’s walk was a quick one – as raindrops interrupted my planned much-longer photo excursion around the neighborhood – but this is what I came up with…

 

First stop: A hanging planter bursting with pink flowers. Not sure of the name.

pink flowers 1

 

Second stop: Day lilies planted down a small hill next to the road.

day lillies

 

Third stop: Yellow flowers caught my eye as the rain started…

yellow flowers

And that was that!

For today 🙂

Shades of Pink

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Nancy Merrill is hosting a photo challenge. The prompt this week: Shades Of Pink

IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO FEATURING SHADES OF THE COLOR PINK.

 

When I was a kid, pink was never my first choice. For anything. At least that’s how I remember it. Old photographs rarely showed me in pink pants or shirts. Maybe a pink dress when I was too young to voice an opinion…although my opinion was often ignored.

I probably lucked out because my younger sister was the “girly” one (a term I now dislike, but those who remember the “old days” will know what I mean). She could have all the pink, as far as I was concerned.

The one exception may have been my first bicycle…which was pink. I am not sure if that was my choice…or the only color available at the time for a “girl’s bike.”

Anyway, pink pops up on Valentine’s Day and that’s when I photographed these shades of pink.

Wrapped up and ready for local Valentine shoppers.

 

pink flowers

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Flower

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This post inspired by Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge. The topic: Flower of Any Kind

 

I’ll admit it was strange to view flowers in anything but color, but I decided to explore my favorite flower photos with an open mind. And eye.

I was intrigued to discover how much I was drawn to the black and white version of the two “tulip survivors” from our former home. The two that were still bursting through the hard packed side yard after more than 30 years.

It seemed fitting to give them an antique look.

Version 2

Delicate

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This post inspired by Lens-Artist Challenge #46

The prompt: Delicate

 

I can’t seem to stop taking photos of my Mother’s Day flowers. Hand delivered by my son last weekend. They are the hardiest roses I have ever received.

Perhaps, also, the most delicate. I am drawn to the detail. The subtle coloring. The mysterious greenery that is not baby’s breath.

 

2 roses

 

My eyes constantly drift over to their spot on the table across the room.

A few days later, I am at it again…

roses

I also note how they are aging…gracefully. I refuse to throw any out, even as they lose their perfect delicacy. Their perfect color. Edges growing a bit more discolored every day.

Is beauty only in the new and fresh?…or can we also see beauty here…in the natural  curling at the edges…petals darkening…greenery fading.
As the short life cycle draws to a close.

aging roses

One week later…
Still delicate.
Still beautiful.

 

 

Photo a Week Challenge – Rule of Thirds

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Nancy Merrill is hosting a photo challenge. The theme this week – Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a standard photographers use to frame their images. You divide the frame into a grid of three across and three down, and then don’t put your subject in the middle square. It’s also best if you can put the focus of your image on one of the grid lines.

IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO (OR MORE) USING THE RULE OF THIRDS.

~~~

I look outside the second floor window of my condo.
And what do I see through the trees and power lines?
Cars & trucks speeding by – east and west – on a state highway.
A toddler would be mesmerized.
I am getting used to it.

I fondly remember looking out the dining room window of my former home…discovering Spring surprises that had seemingly sprouted overnight.  Peeking out amongst the rhododendrons…or along the side yard squeezing in between the ever-spreading irises.

There was never a good reason to pass on a photo opportunity….

 

lilies of the valley - rule of thirds

 

 

flowers rule of thirds