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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Travel treasures

April 18, 2020April 17, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 18 Comments

Travel has ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The UK lockdown has been extended and there is an ‘indefinite’ ban on non-essential trips.

In these strange times we can make virtual visits or look at our holiday snaps. The other day I hit upon another idea.

The shelves of my apartment are filled with items that are so familiar I don’t notice them. We’re talking about objects I’ve picked up on many overseas adventures over the years.

I decided to give them some love and had a photoshoot. Getting close to these keepsakes revived holiday memories. We all have souvenirs, some of them cherished. Now’s the time to dust them down.