Tulips are an irresistibly favourite flower of the Spring season. It’s hard not to love their cheerful blooms in a whole spectrum of colours.
I recently came home with a rainbow bouquet and bunch of “rhubarb and custard” blooms.
It was hard to resist photographing them in their prime. But as the flowers withered and petals dropped, I found them even more compelling.
Flowers in death are as beautiful as when they’re freshly picked. What do you think?
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A second lockdown and five different types of blooms. Time for some indoor photography. READ MORE BELOW
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England’s second national lockdown has seen closures in an effort to keep people at home and curb the spread of coronavirus.
The M&S Foodhall here in Manchester – an essential store and still open – has a ‘pick and mix’ floral selection for creating your own bouquet at home.
I broke the rules and chose four varieties for their colours and interesting structures, perfect for macro shots.
Indigo Veronica stalks, cushions of yellow Goldenrod, fluffy Umbellifer and dramatic Sea Holly. Standalone beauties!
I also bought miniature chrysanthemums. Tap/click image for more flower photos
Do you think that beauty is exclusively the preserve of youth and vitality? CONTINUE READING BELOW
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I always have fresh flowers in the house and recently bought a lovely spray of roses. Of course cut flowers fade sooner or later and are discarded, to be replaced with a new arrangement.
But this time I held on to the roses as they began to wither away. Fellow blogger and Australian photographer Lee Cleland suggested drying some blooms and capturing them – an excellent idea.
The vibrancy of flowers fresh from the florist is replaced by a darker mood and the sense of impending death.
But the beauty isn’t diminished by degradation. In fact I think the creative rewards and interest are enhanced. How about you?
I bought two bunches of these popular wedding flowers for the first time and wasn’t impressed. Read more below
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The stalks of my Freesias seemed too tall and spindly, with the blooms perched on top like Triffids. And I was none too keen on their pungent fragrance.
It wasn’t until I photographed these flowers at close quarters that I appreciated their beauty, with delicate mauve and robust pastel pink and yellow petals.
By using a variety of backgrounds, these specimens became photogenic and versatile. I wonder what’s next in my ongoing indoor floral project?
Common dandelions are loved for their bright yellow flowers and delicate clock seeds. Read more below
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.
