Tag Archives: floral

Facebook Fans and Florals

My Facebook Page has just gone over the 5400 Likes mark – and I am delighted! I also however recall the days when I posted a floral photo and got more than 1 like and was thrilled!

Asters blue

The “liking’ culture is complex – but I think of it like grading exam papers. There are always those who instinctively are critical and judgmental and would never give anyone an “A” as they feel it is unattainable and then there are those with rose-tinted glasses who think everyone deserves some sort of acknowledgement just for putting in the effort. So it’s no surprise that the number of followers outrank the number of likes but that’s ok.

Granted when  photos are amazing I am more likely to ‘like’ them but sometimes just getting someone to share a pic of a bloom they noticed while out walking or gardening is even more beautiful. They were captivated and for a brief moment they could rest and breathe in the beauty.

Dahlias pink on lobelia.jpg

If you’re new to blogging and sharing what you care about it takes time to find your tribe – it’s taken me 5 years to get this far – so don’t be discouraged – just keep shipping.

In a world where kindness, compassion and encouragement are rarely seen how hard is it for you to like the photo your friend or family member just posted about something creative they made? We can fuel each other’s endeavors to bring more beauty into the world.

I love flowers – always have and always will – they give me a chance to pause and appreciate simple moments of nature’s beauty. It’s why I share photos of them – I think my photography skills have loads of room for improvement – but I still love to share blooms that make me stop, pay attention and show appreciation.

Have a fabulously floral day!

Camelia red in bloom

Poppy meanderings from UK to USA

Your art is an intrinsic part of your being and is thankfully something that goes with you wherever you are in the world.

Spring Poppies Painted.jpg

Photo 1: Poppies In California, USA

We are coming up to our 4th anniversary of living in the beautiful and vibrant state of California in the USA after leaving the lusciously green and peaceful area of Sussex in the UK.

The definition of home has taken on a new meaning for us and we have learned to value the connections we make with others on our journey. My enthusiasm for Floral Photography continues to drive me to explore my surroundings wherever we may find ourselves and thankfully nature is able to offer an unending collection of floral delights.

Poppy field low res

Photo 2: A field of Poppies in the UK near Brighton

Be gentle with yourself

Sometimes life hurls moments at you that are uncomfortable to process – things that hurt you and that we would prefer to be outside the realm of our life experiences. My father passed away last month only a couple of years after my mom and they had been married for half a century. Yesterday was their anniversary and a stark reminder that they are no longer here but the day also triggered memories of happy times celebrating with them.

A friend sent me a note that simply said “be gentle with yourself” – I found it both profound and comforting in my time of grief and it inspired the name of this image.

“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.” Max Ehrmann

Photo 1: Be Gentle

Rose soft two tone

Daffodils & Muscari: Spring Delights

Northern California is getting lots and lots of rain! It’s glorious news for the drought stricken regions even though there is a lot more rain around than I bargained for!

I have been missing the sunny blue skies but the daffodils and muscari in my garden braved the stormy weather and their appearance reminded me of the Spring delights that await.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Photo 1: Daffodils and bud

daffodil-and-bud

Photo 2: Daffodils and cloudy skies

daffodils-in-spring

Photo 3: Daffodil on Muscari

daffodil-on-muscari

Photo 4: Muscari after the rain

muscaria-after-the-rain

 

Photo 5:Spring Delights

daffodil-time

Dancing with a Dahlia for a 28 day Happiness Challenge

This Dahlia had such delightful details that it was enjoyable capturing it from a variety of angles. Hope you enjoy seeing the results!

The first image became part of the 28 day Happiness Challenge on Instagram started by @cynthialupoff and @lifeissucculent tagged with #28daysofhappy You could join in spreading happiness too!

Photo 1: Dahlia spreads its petals

dahlia-pom-pom-pink

Photo 2: Dahlia reaching for the sky

dahlia-pink

Photo 3: Dahlia Pops

dahlia-pop

Look closer

The closer you look, the more you see.

I often marvel at the intricate details of nature. You don’t have to go far to see beauty close-up. Since it has been raining heavily this week I have been going through my archives of floral photos and found these.

Photo 1: Poppy Central

poppy-orange-centre

Photo 2: Black-eyed Susan

black-eyed-susan

Photo 3: Dahlia details

dahlia-437

Photo 4: Fern frond

fern-frond

 

A garden of Zinnias

Northern California got some rain yesterday and the garden loved it! The broody cloud cover just before the rain was an ideal time to admire the zinnia garden and take a few photos. Admiring their vibrant colors and eye-catching display I was reminded of this quote : “So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” Jorge Luis Borges

Photo 1: Zinnias and Lavender

zinnia-garden-5

Photo 2: Cascade of color

zinnia-garden-2

Photo 3: Striking beauty

zinnia-garden-3

Photo 4: Pink Zinnia gathering

zinnias-pink-wall

 

Playing in the Poppies

Something I really enjoy about being a Floral Photographer is when people notice blooms that they find appealing then they contact me and either send photos or tell me the location.

I had spotted a patch of poppies close to our home and had taken a few pics but the light was just too bright to do them justice. Then a friend sent me a pic of them and it motivated me to give the Poppy Patch another visit. These photos are the ones I took then.

Photo 1: Poppy Bud under Bloom

Poppy bud under bloom

Photo 2: Peaceful Poppy

White Poppy on purple

Photo 3: Playing in the Poppies

Poppies red and white

Some of these images are available for purchase on Fine Art America.

Have a beautiful day and I hope you find time to stop and smell the flowers!

Floral Fantasy Totes of Note

You never know where a new path will lead until you take the first step.

This blog started when I began my journey with a compact camera and started capturing flowers wherever I went. Just for the sheer love of them.  

Now I just started a blog featuring my floral photography printed on tote bags. It’s called L’art du Tote simply because French makes everything sound exquisite!

  
My love of flowers started early and before I started using a camera I used to draw them. The school  and university projects I submitted had title pages decorated with leaves and blooms even in Biochemistry class! 

That is now many moons ago but I remember those days so clearly and with great fondness. Now my floral images are available for purchase on Pixels.com

It appears that people enjoy seeing uplifting positive images that bring joy to their day and a smile to their faces. I love that my art does that for them because that in turn brings me joy!
 
      
Now I can carry my art with me and spread the joy!  Others have been sharing their joy with me too and I have received photos of my bags in America, Spain and South Africa too! It is indeed a sweet twist on an unexpected journey that began because flowers make my soul sing.

  
Wishing all my followers who have kept me motivated a joyful February! I hope you find what you love and love what you do!

 

« Older Entries