Tag Archives: Flowers

Wildlife And Nature

 

On my most recent hiking outing I decided to hike a trail in Gouldsboro hoping that the lotus blossoms were blooming. I had no luck there. But in the middle of the road to the trail, right by the pond where the lotus blossoms live stood a deer. I noticed the mother first, then a little blur of movement on the side of the road caught my attention. A spotted faun ran to catch up to its mother. I shot a little video of them dancing down the road to a dirt road that leads to a small art studio/gallery. Once level with the dirt road, I managed to get a nice picture of them both (again, I was the passenger for all this).

 

 

Mother and Baby Deer

 

So cute!

 

Onward to the hike. It was a really warm day and without the breeze it would have been unbearable, but I trudged along the trail to its end, then started back. On the way back, my hiking partner noticed a small single pink flower on the edge of the trail. A Lady Slipper if we’re not mistaken. I’ve never actually seen a Lady Slipper up close like that and from what I’ve heard they were, or still are, an endangered plant. I’ll have to do a little research on that to find out what’s what.

 

 

Lady Slipper
It’s a pretty little flower, and I’m not a fan of the color pink!

 
It concerned me how close the little flower was to the edge of the trail. I’d almost stepped on it myself so someone not really paying attention or someone with a dog running rampant could easily trample it. I hope that doesn’t happen.
Keep your eyes peeled when you’re out an about, folks.

 

 
And on a side note, time is running out fast for the 8X10 print giveaway, open to my blog followers/email subscribers. You have until 11pm on June 30 to send me an email with the subject “8X10 Print Giveaway” to enter. I’ll announce the winner of the drawing on Monday, July 4th! Don’t miss out! Get your entry in now!

 

 
Until next time…

 

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~A.M.

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Summer Iris

 

Recently I took a break from my writing (for a whole week which is longer than I should have) and my jewelry in order to get outside and get some fresh air, some sun, and some photographs.

 

I went back to my favorite hiking spot, Quoddy Head State Park, and found (out at Green Point) some of the first Irises of the summer.  I wasn’t expecting to see them yet this year, but, seeing as it was the Summer Solstice yesterday, I guess I shouldn‘t have been so surprised.

 

Summer Iris

 

Oh, and for those that don’t know (or forgot), yesterday wasn’t just the Summer Solstice, it was also Father’s Day!  Love you, dad!

 

 

Until next time…

 

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~A.M.

Photo Remake

Every once in a while, I like to take a look through my photo archive and see how far I’ve come from where I began my journey in photography.  Sometimes I even like to try my hand at a “Photo Remake”.  In other words, I like to see if I can recreate certain shots and see how close I can get to the original image while still keeping things fresh.  I know that sounds a bit complicated and even a bit like an oxymoron, but it’s interesting to try.

 

About five years ago, I was walking along the beach and took a photograph of a flower growing on the edge of one of the small boardwalks that lead from the road to the beach.  Some of you who have been following me for a while might recognize this image.

 

Boardwalk Flower

I hadn’t planned to attempt a “Photo Remake” of this shot when I embarked on my most recent beach trip, but I kind of stumbled upon the opportunity.  Here’s the result.

 

Boardwalk Flower Revisited

Attempting to recreate an old photograph in a new light can have interesting results.  Sometimes the result is better than the original, and other times the result is a miserable failure.  Either way, it’s a good way to keep learning.

 

Until next time…

 

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~A.M.

Flowers On The Sidewalk

A while ago I wrote a post about working with what you have by utilizing your backyard for photography subjects.  If you take the time to look, you can find quite a bit to photograph in the most unlikely of places.

That’s even more true when it comes to a city or town sidewalk.  There is a plethora of photography subjects on a sidewalk from the sidewalk itself to architecture, people, objects, and flora on the sidewalk.

Recently I took a trip to my hometown and the neighboring town and while walking along the sidewalks, I passed several potted plants and flowers, some of which I can’t name (hey, I’m no botanist here!).  Luckily, like every dedicated photographer out there, I had my camera on me and ready to go.  I managed to capture a few decent shots before moving on to my destination.

Here’s one.

 

Flowers on the Sidewalk

Keep an eye out while you’re walking down the street, folks.  You never know what you’ll pass by if you’re not paying attention.

Until next time…

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~A.M.

Backyard Photography

So, you’re sitting on the couch, watching the millionth re-run of some sitcom you could really care less about, and the urge to get out and photograph something suddenly hits you.  Only problem is, you don’t know where to go or what to photograph.  Even worse, you’re running low on funds and there’s little gas in your car’s tank.  What do you do?

I was faced with this very situation not long ago.  And as most artists and creative individuals will tell you, when the urge to create something hits, it’s a lot like when nature calls, it needs to be answered.  And pronto!

I switched off the TV, slipped on some shoes, grabbed my camera, and stepped outside.  While standing on my porch, I found myself scratching my head.  Where should I go? What should I photograph?

While pondering this, I started taking a slow walk around the perimeter of my property.  I found myself looking at the flora surrounding my yard in a slightly different way.  Usually, I would just dismiss everything as a cluster of weeds but when you’re on the hunt for a new photograph, even a weed can prove to be interesting.

So while I was looking through the weeds and tall grass on the edge of my property, I came across some pretty little flower clusters.  Now, I’m not down on the names of most flora so I have no idea what these flowers are called.  If someone knows, please tell me!  (*Edit – 7/20/2011* – My cousin’s wife and good friend of mine informed me that these flowers are called “Dianthus Barbatus” or “Sweet William”.  Thanks Shane!)

I tend to like it when something unexpected happens or pops into the frame as I push the shutter button.  I think a lot of photographers are like that.  While I was taking a photo of another flower (again I don‘t know the name), a curious little moth (I don’t know what this little guy’s name is either!) fluttered into the frame.

You may be asking what the moral of this story is.  Well kids, the moral of this story is that you don’t necessarily have to leave home to take some nice photographs.  Just take a little walk around your back yard, your side yard, your front yard, or whatever yard you have.  You might be surprised at what you find.

Until next time…

Keep on rockin’ on!

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A.M.