Indoor dandelion

May 31, 2020June 24, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Common dandelions are loved for their bright yellow flowers and delicate clock seeds. Read more below

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I plucked a dandelion clock I found in a small wild patch of grass by my apartment block and carried it carefully indoors.

With stay at home orders still in force due to the coronavirus pandemic, this became another lockdown photography project.

For some days the dandelion clock was my model, from when it was plump and fluffy, to when seedlings were shedding everywhere.

This is a major feat of nature’s engineering and fascinating to study at close quarters. After the photoshoot I returned the seedlings to where they had grown and scattered them around.

Lockdown carnations

May 8, 2020June 24, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

The lockdown is apparently making us creative. Loaves are being baked and music is being made online.

But I’ve been sticking to what I know and finding new ways to do it because my camera is staying indoors.

I bought two hefty sprays of carnations, a sturdy flower known for funeral tributes and old school wedding buttonholes.

Instead of just doing some freehand macro photography, I set up my tripod, created some surfaces from what I could find and made the most of natural backdrops in my apartment.

It was an enjoyable session and my models were well-behaved. And these beautiful, underrated, long-lasting flowers are still sitting in their vase.

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Colour therapy

April 25, 2020April 25, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 20 Comments

Stocks (Matthiola Incana) are beautifully scented flowers which come in a variety of colours. In Victorian times, they symbolised lasting affection.

I was lucky enough to find a bunch on one of my shopping trips here in Manchester as the coronavirus pandemic lockdown continues.

Working with these delightful pastel shades and sturdy stems was a relaxing indoor macro photography project, my second after some creamy daffodils.

With my next floral outing, I’m looking for new ways to capture close-ups. Any ideas?…

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Daffodils

April 11, 2020April 10, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 14 Comments

Easter. Symbolised by rabbits, chocolate eggs and newborn lambs.

This is about one of the flowers of the Spring, the daffodil or narcissus, abundant at this time of year.

I brought two bunches of daffodils home, with tall stems and large, buttery heads. They quickly burst into full bloom but didn’t last too long.

This was an enjoyable indoor photography project for the lockdown and allows these flowers to live on.

It’s a highly unusual Easter weekend here in the UK as the pandemic continues. Wherever you are, stay safe and well.

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Lockdown photography

March 30, 2020March 29, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

A week ago the UK government introduced stringent measures in a effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

We’ve all been instructed to stay at home and make only essential trips for shopping and exercise while keeping our distance. When I venture out to stretch my legs or fetch supplies, my camera stays behind – it would be frivolous to go out and shoot.

Photography is an enjoyable and creative outlet for me, so I’ve turned my attention indoors like other photographers.

Familiar, ordinary objects become interesting, while having flowers in the house is a definite plus. I’m lucky enough to have a balcony so can enjoy the view (even though I’ve captured it countless times before).

As the pandemic marches on, it looks like we’ll be at home for longer. What are you photographing during the lockdown?