Say farewell to the last bloom in the season. I like rain, but not in this time of the year when it will linger for months…
Category: rain
Poppy in the Rain
Farewell to Tulip Magnolia
One sunny week brings our tulip magnolia to her full bloom. However the flowers do not sustain long before the petals begin to fall down the ground.
This is the first time that I checked on them every couple days and tried to snap shots from different angles. The flowers are showy due to the size and the density of the blooms. Otherwise, I say it is quite plain in comparison with other smaller flowers. But photographers are supposed to be able to shoot anything and play with that magic wand, so I did.
My images are surely not magical, but I thought it worthwhile to record the short blooming season of this tree we planted 17 years ago. The flowers are way up there. I hand-held my 300mm to take all the pictures. They grow so tightly to one another. It is not easy to isolate one from the other. A cluster of large flowers do not look bad either.
Though the appearance is not dramatic or striking, it fits right in my favorite style: subtle, elegant and understated. The sculptured edges seem to be amplified in the form of solo and simplicity. I have tried to use bold and exaggerated textures for the background, but I seemed to always come back to my preferred tone and style. Am I confined myself to the box and lack of courage to explore outwards? Or, am I a stubborn soul who stick to my principal faithfully?
This duo image makes me think of my hubby and friends. One applause does not echo but two will. Even when both two are drenched in the rain, their connected point remains dry and a stronghold. If not for that stronghold, they would have been separately defeated by the rain and are struggling with their last breath right now.
Below image was taken in an overcast day.I was looking to give it a little twist. After removing perplexed twigs and limbs off the way, I added couple of textures to carry on the gloomy state. As cold as it looks, I think it would be good to have it on a porcelain piece of some sort. Not every day is a glorious day but every day has the charm of its own.
If I don’t, one rainy day can scatter the patels and take blossoms’ life away. It was only two days apart, the flowers became vulnerable and fragile after a brief rain shower. I am posting this image to illustrate the reality besides I actually find them most attractive in this stage of the life. With the experience and knowledge we’ve obtained in decades of our life, can you see the hidden charm behind?
See you next year, my inspiring Tulip Magnolia.
In Retrospect – The Alternatives
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Grab a bit of sunshine in this autumn day. |
It has something to do with my family trait and my personality. If I am onto something, I want to do it right and good. The consistent posting forces me to take more pictures and the process has gradually and greatly helped me to unfold the mystery behind the camera, one layer at a time. I am learning every day and there are still mountains of knowledge to be explored. Foremostly I am getting fresh prospective for life through the lens and that is priceless and unspeakable.
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Rainy day? Play with rain drops. |
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Frosted hay field? I saw morning glory gradually fading out to night solace. |
In my weekly practice, I found it easy to write when the images are in place. It is easy to speak the truth and from the heart. At this stage of my life, I don’t have to think about product designs or business strategies. It is a simple leisure and it is easy to bring pleasure. I enjoyed it immensely whenever my inspiration flows and my pen flies.
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No dramatic sunburst? How about dainty sun sparks? |
Autumn Rain Brings Fall Colors
I took this picture to compare with the other one I took last year in a foggy day (see my previous blog “GotCha Fog”. Can you believe how different it is when two pictures are taken at the same spot at two different time of the season?
The flower colors are still as vivid and bright as they have been that is truly amazing. No post processing was done. What you see is what it looks. Although they are not your typical fall colors, but I count them fall colors because they are the colors that I see in this cold days.
Simply Tulip Magnolia
A blink of light flashed through my mind. I got a stepper to reach up and cut 5 limbs from the tree. Cut flowers were brought inside the house. The flowers are very fragrant that I have never noticed prior. This little discovery makes me happy. However, the blossoms are big and twigs are thick. I could barely find a vase to fit. Finally they were managed to hold together. Examining them from all angles over and over, I had no idea where to start.