Admittedly, this is a self indulgent post.

I went through each of the photos I’ve taken in the past year for this blog, and pulled out my favorites. The photos I’ve chosen are not necessarily the best looking photos, but the ones that stir a strong emotion and/or remind me of a specific moment in time. I have A LOT more to learn when it comes to garden photography and I cannot wait to further educate myself in the upcoming months. 

I have included my comments under each photo. Enjoy.

For me, there is no better time to take photos then after a rain when it is still overcast. Love the droplets of water on the fruit of this crabapple tree.  

I think I spent almost twenty minutes trying to get the perfect shot of a bee on one of the clethra blooms. I remember laying down on the ground at angles I didn’t think I was capable of pulling off but it was fun and worth it.  

Another example of waiting and waiting for the perfect shot and I couldn’t quite get it but damn if it wasn’t fun trying!

I honestly believe this butterfly knew it was being photographed so she stood still for me to make sure I got her best side. 

This is the one and only time I’ve seen a deer actually sleep in my yard. I was so pumped to see it I and can remember frantically running around the house telling the kids to shut their mouths so I could get the perfect shot.

If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that it is worth the time to take photos of anything and everything because you never know what the results will be. I just thought this one was really cool with the way the late day sun was shining on the blooms of the Karl Foerster feather reed grass.   

There were literally a hundred butterflies on the joe pye weed blooms and I may have taken 50 photos with none really capturing it perfectly. I felt like I was on crystal meth as I tried to take these and my excitement got the best of me.  

I managed to catch this guy just as he was emerging from the chrysalis and felt like a proud papa.  
  

I didn’t expect this to come out looking like this when I took it, but I dig how it sort of looks like a painting.

I worked on this back bed all summer and seeing the results after digging out the lawn in 100 degree weather feels very rewarding. 

This horribly shot photo still resonates with me for two reasons: 1)How did I ever think this looked OK? I’ve come a long way since then. 2)I divided this grass on a whim and it was great fodder for a blog entry – educational yet a chance to poke fun at myself.  

 

This was taken in Dallas at the Garden Writer’s conference. It is where I stepped out of my comfort zone, introduced myself to two photographers and had a conversation I will never forget. It was inspirational and a reminder to pursue what you love and the rest will take care of itself.

ONG