Essay #58: Japanese gardens

Botanical gardens are havens for still-life photographers, but Japanese gardens have a flair all their own. Meticulous yet relaxing, they seem to strike the unattainable balance between sun and shade, man-made structures and nature's wild elegance, bright colors and muted neutrals. And they somehow always have something blooming. Plus, bonsai-pruned trees. You know the lame personality question, "If you were a tree what kind would you be?" I would be a bonsai tree.

Essay #32: Turn, turn, turn

Season's change brings such beautiful color combinations.

Red, yellow, green and a hint of purple. Nature's own tie-dye.

38mm 1/800 f/7.1 ISO 200

Essay #31: Wildflowers

Wildflowers are so colorful. So much vibrance in such delicate packages.

45mm 1/500 f/5.6 ISO 200

Essay #30: Walk in the Woods

How I always pictured Mirkwood Forest:

Walking through the arboretum today, I almost expected to happen upon some elves talking to the trees.

18mm 1/40 f/3.8 ISO 400

Essay #28: Seeds in the wind

I suppose I could claim to have taken this photo as a commentary on the fleeting nature of life, or some other such pretentious nonsense. I just thought it was pretty, and then the wind picked up.

45mm 1/80 f/5.6 ISO 400

Topic: The Great Outdoors

All my photos this week will be taken outside. I'm determined to enjoy the weather while it lasts. I don't often get to revel in the changing of the seasons, but this week I'm going to appreciate the onset of autumn.

 

81mm 1/640 f/5 ISO 100