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?

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The north in bloom

April 28, 2019April 16, 2024 / mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

I’ve taken a year-long career break and have spent several months travelling. But it’s also a great opportunity to be at home and have the freedom to enjoy what’s nearby.

On a recent spell of warm, Spring weather I visited Dunham Massey, a National Trust property close to Manchester. The expectation was a carpet of bluebells, but instead there was a vibrant display of tulips.

I was using my secondary, more portable Fuji and finally cracked its macro capabilities. Back at home I continued my shoot with some leftover flowers and new plants on the balcony. Maybe there’s truth in the old adage that home’s best…

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South African beauties

February 14, 2019January 9, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

The Protea is South Africa’s national flower. There was no better place to see them than on a recent visit to the wonderful city of Cape Town.

The botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch have the most amazing backdrop of one side of Table Mountain, boasting a treetop canopy walk among its acres of well-manicured grounds.

I made a beeline for the Protea garden with my macro lens, realising there are numerous varieties of the flowers, beautiful with blooms and after they’re gone.