Waterlillies

I decided to defy the abysmal weather and make a trip to Kew Gardens, a real urban oasis and home of some amazing plant life in south-west London.

Even if it’s a chilly, sunless day, you can take refuge in the hot houses and be transported to the tropics. There is a relatively small glasshouse which houses a pond and beautiful collection of waterlillies. Cue a photographic indulgence in colour, form and reflections.

Click on the first image to launch the full-size gallery.

But staying true to the spirit of previous posts about floral captures, a monchrome version of the darkest lily was created. I think it brings out the contrast between the dark water and the brilliance of the bloom.

What do you think?

Tags: blooms, Kew Gardens, nature, photography, plants, reflections, waterlillies, waterlily

13 thoughts on “Waterlillies”

onelifethislife on May 21, 2012 at 04:03 said:

The black and white photo is absolutely magnificent! The contrast is great! I just love this photo.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on May 21, 2012 at 10:09 said:
  
  Thank you very much! If the contrast is good, it’s worth removing the colour from such an object. Greetings from London.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - onelifethislife on May 21, 2012 at 17:12 said:
    
    Very true indeed!
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
dianajhale on May 8, 2012 at 17:15 said:

The black and white photo is really successful – they can get a bit garish in colour! I love that water lily house at Kew although it does get a bit steamy. There is also a lovely water lily pond outside (not really in flower yet) where I have done some paintings – might do a post on these later in the summer.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on May 8, 2012 at 18:12 said:
  
  That sounds lovely, Diana, I look forward to those. I was surprised how carried away I got – this is not really my thing. The monochrome brings a whole new dimension, perhaps.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Gracie on May 7, 2012 at 22:21 said:

Beautiful series.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on May 7, 2012 at 22:33 said:
  
  Thank so much, Gracie. It was a pleasure to photograph them.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Beibei Wu on May 7, 2012 at 21:26 said:

Incredible photo!

http://www.beilovebei.com

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on May 7, 2012 at 21:29 said:
  
  Thank you! Am really enjoying your Secrets of London gallery. What a varied and interesting collection.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Avalynn27 on May 7, 2012 at 20:51 said:

This is so pretty :)

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- mikeosbornphoto on May 7, 2012 at 21:00 said:
  
  Thank you very much! I have to admit I went a bit mad in the water lily house. Does the black and white version work for you?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Avalynn27 on May 7, 2012 at 21:18 said:
    
    Yes, I love black and white.
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
    - mikeosbornphoto on May 7, 2012 at 21:19 said:
      
      Excellent. Plenty of contrast brings out features you just don’t see in colour.
      
      LikeLike
      
      Reply ↓