nature

Lockdown carnations

/ 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.

Tap/click first image to view gallery

Click through to mikeosbornphoto's greeting cards shop

Daffodils

/ 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.

Tap/click first image to see gallery

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Instagram account

 

Moments of calm

/ mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

These are not normal times. The coronavirus pandemic around the globe is triggering profound changes, a lot of uncertainty – and is making us feel anxious.

A lot of us are having to stay inside our homes and alter our routines drastically, giving us more space to think about the situation.

It’s important to take time out from the dramatic cycle of news and think about our mental well-being. One small way to do this is by focusing on images that promote calm diversion.

I’ve put together a gallery of nature, sunsets, landscapes and minimalism that can draw you in and focus the mind. Take some moments to look at them if it’s all getting too stressful, and enjoy a moment of peace. Stay safe and healthy. Take care.

Tap/click first image to view gallery

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Facebook page

 

Manchester’s winter haven

/ mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

This was a return visit to Fletcher Moss Park, a beautiful nature spot in Didsbury, south Manchester. 

The last time I wandered around there with my camera was in late summer 2018, when it was a lush riot of colour. The park’s famous Poplar walkway was full and verdant.

In January the great trees were bare and mournful. The rock garden was showing signs of death and decay. But amongst this were the early green shoots of Spring, those signs of hope.

The colour cast of my two Fletcher Moss sets is very different. But Manchester folk still visit to walk their dogs, stretch their legs and enjoy this city haven – whatever the season.

Tap/click first image to see the gallery

Link to mikeosbornphoto's shop

North Macedonia: Sunshine state

/ mikeosbornphoto / 12 Comments

Is this a trip to the tourist haven of Florida? No. It’s a nod to this nation’s vibrant flag – a yellow, beaming sun rising on a bright red background. It’s one of Europe’s lesser visited countries but is worth a glance.

This landlocked Balkan state has been known as North Macedonia since February, resolving a long dispute with neighbours Greece. It was the southern flank of Yugoslavia until that country began to fragment in 1991.

A short tour through North Macedonia took in the capital city Skopje, which is littered with grand buildings and countless statues, some of them peculiarly oversized. You have the sense this country is grasping for an identity.

Travel to the south-west of the country and you’ll find the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid where North Macedonians take their holidays. The small city of Ohrid is laced with old architecture, churches and magnificent ramparts.

North Macedonia isn’t yet a tourist hotspot – surely the best time to visit?

Click first image to see gallery