Saturday, May 21, 2011

Macro Light

Try as I might, I can't resist 
Gardening Gone Wild's photo contest.  This month's theme is

Although close-up photography is a lot of fun,
I don't do a lot of it.
I usually focus on pictures that
depict plants as they function in the landscape.

This was the perfect opportunity to bring out some of my
favorite spring close-ups.
Beautiful Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is pictured at the top.

Cherry blossoms


Azalea blooms



Spring Japanese Maple foliage



And then, those photogenic Iris.

Is there a more graceful...

 endlessly interesting flower than Iris?

My daughter chose this Iris shot as my entry in the contest.
I think she's got a good eye.

Check out all the wonderful entries at Gardening Gone Wild.

16 comments:

One said...

They are all gorgeous. Your daughter has a good eye. I like the last as well as the 2nd photo the most. All the best. My butterfly would love your flowers.

Anonymous said...

A very good choice she made. Iris are wonderful models. I swear they pose for the camera. Good luck, your entry is beautiful.

Donna said...

Chris that last iris is a definite keeper, I love how the colors turned iridescent in the sun with the rain drops on them...one to be framed...best of luck!!

Cat said...

Beautiful Chris! Spring and fall are such a great time for capturing that soft light. Best of luck!

Chris said...

One: Thank you! Your butterfly is beautiful. Best of luck to you as well!
GWGT: I agree, she hit it right on. I love seeing all the entries in the contests - good luck to you, too!
Donna: The lighting for that one was magical! Thank you.
Cat: I'm often fighting strong sunlight, but every once in a while, I'm in the right place at the right time. I appreciate your kind wishes!

Sheila said...

Stunning! I would hang a photo of that last iris on my wall. (And most of the others, too). Thanks for the inspiration.

Alistair said...

Chris, I like your daughters choice although I would have chosen the Japanese Acer leaf.

Wife, Mother, Gardener said...

Wonderful entry!! I love the different shade that happen as the light moves over the iris.

I am like you, preferring to see large groups of plants and how they work together. This is great for developing more skills with the camera though.

Thanks!
Julie

Carolyn @ Carolyn's Shade Gardens said...

Beautiful photos--good luck in the contest.

Chris said...

Sheila: I appreciate your visit and kind words of encouragement!
Alistair: That is a striking photo, isn't it? I was planning to enter the Japanese Maple when I began the post. When I showed the photos to my daughter, her reaction to the last Iris convinced me to go with that one.
Julie: The photos of the white and blue Iris were taken within about 10 minutes - the lighting changed so quickly!
Carolyn: Thank you! Good luck to you, too. All the entries are beautiful.

Cathy and Steve said...

I agree with your daughter.... that image is as magical as a rainbow!

But then, it's hard to miss with an irresistible iris!

Great job on all of them - I can see why you had some difficulty choosing!

Cathy in MA

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Gorgeous! I also agree with your daughter. That photo really caught my eye on the contest front page! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Chis..very informative blog..they are all gorgeous..beautiful..my favorite...the cherry blossom....loved your daughters choice too..

I have been reading through your perennial garden designs ..and not yet completed yet...very helpful info..i think i will need some inputs from you with my garden if it's okay with you..

Chris said...

Cathy: Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate your visit.
Plantpostings: Thanks so much for stopping by and for your encouragment. There are some amazing photos in the contest!
Raji: Thank you! If you have specific questions about your garden, I'd be glad give you my opinion.

Shyrlene said...

Chris - incredible color, right from a painter's palette! With the shadow play and reflective raindrops - the last photo is 'The One'! Your daughter has an excellent eye... :)

Chris said...

Shyrlene: I'm glad you liked it. God has certainly blessed us with tremendous beauty in His creation!

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