I was recently asked to bring a bouquet to our 37th annual neighborhood picnic. I enjoyed exploring the backyard and collecting several different grasses, flowers, and berries. On a whim, I decided to use my Canon G12 point-and-shoot camera to photograph them on a black velvet background.
I liked the results enough that I decided to take close-ups of each plant. Close-ups encourage me to look at details of colors, shapes, and textures that I might otherwise miss. The black velvet provided an effective contrasting background.
The bouquet brightened the food table and seemed to be appreciated. Most of the neighbors know our backyard focuses on native plants, and I was glad for the chance to share some of the early autumn beauty we’re enjoying. In addition, the bouquet materials provided the incentive for a fun photography experiment.
Your experiment turned out well!
Thanks, Kathy. It was fun.
Gorgeous photos Betty! They look like they’re right out of a magazine!
Thanks, Judy. Coming from a first-rate photographer, that’s quite a compliment.
Beautiful.
Thanks, Sara.
The velvet background really sets off the colors. I especially like how it brought out the color of the muhly grass. We very much appreciated the flowers and I continue to marvel over them on my fireplace. Thank you so much for sharing their beauty with us!
Glad to know you are still enjoying them, Regina. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share them.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Linda.
I just posted your blog on the Wild Ones – Lexington Chapter facebook page, as I so often do. Just gorgeous, Betty!
Thanks, Ann. Glad you think it’s worth sharing.
You are so creative…I think you missed your calling ; )
I appreciate your comment, Christine. I think we’re all more creative than we give ourselves credit for. I do enjoy the challenge of seeing, photographing, and sharing some of nature’s amazing handiwork.
You should make a box of notecards from these beautiful photos. I’d buy them!
I appreciate the idea, Susan and will think about it. Thanks.
So pretty! I love all the fall native plants that are showing off right now. I have a question about the Heart-a-burstin’ plant. I have one and it is in mostly shade and it didn’t do so well this fall. It is only two years old but I’m wondering if I should move it to a better location. Do you have any suggestions on the lighting it prefers? Love your blog! 🙂
Thanks, Retta. My Hearts-a-burstin’ plant has done well in light shade. I know it grows in the woods and also in full sun. However, according to what I read, it prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Betty, lots of positive, well deserved comments. This strikes me as beautiful work, a photographic work of art.
Thanks, David. When I look at my photographs, I often remember how I felt about the subject matter and the experience. Objective feedback from others is quite helpful
I always love your pictures and especially love your photographic collages.
It helps to have that feedback, Keli. Thank you.