Tag Archives | autumn

Autumn Focal Points

Seeing as how most of the Northern Hemisphere is now experiencing autumn at one level or another, I figured it would make this next lesson on garden photography a bit more relevant if I actually show some fall photos.  (Yes, California has fall color too…)

The focal point of a picture is its subject, the story of the photograph.  It is often the focus point as well (the focus point being the point of sharpest focus), but for our lesson in composition, I want you to think about what you are trying to say with your photo.  Organize the frame so that your viewer can’t help but see your focal point. Continue Reading →

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Leaf Quiz

A couple weeks ago, on November 19, I photographed 9 plants in my garden that had orange fall foliage.  Nine; one day; orange (not the yellows, not reds or greens); in my garden.  I was thrilled.  After years of planning my garden for fall color, I needed to get to work with my camera.

I decided to make a very special composite photograph of all nine leaves silhouetted on white background.  I’ll take you through the rather involved process, but for those who are the real plant nuts, we will have a quiz.  Can you identify all nine ?  As correct guesses come in, I will let you know which are correct and you can add additional comments.

The first to get all nine will get an original 12×18 signed print of one with all the silhouettes at the bottom of the post.  It is a limited edition of 10.  This first composite is nice but not so hard to do: Continue Reading →

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Back-lit Grasses

Now that September has arrived I start looking at the grasses.  Or rather, they grab me.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus

Grasses grab the light and reveal the sun.   They dance in the wind; they rustle and whisper.  By  this time of the year their flowers have become seed heads beckoning the birds.  With such dynamic inspiration on so many levels, grasses should grab any photographer to grab the camera and go out to grab some fun. Continue Reading →

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