December 20, 2010

Top Ten Photos from VW Garden 2010



These are some of my favorite photos from my garden this year. I also want to share a few things I've learned from studying photography. Above is a shot of dogwood blooms (Cornis florida) from the spring.



Here are the amazingly true blue flowers of 'June to Remember' siberian iris. Photography has taught me to look for and appreciate the beautiful parts of a scene, even if there are some parts that don't look great. That definitely describes my garden - partly pretty, partly not, depending on the time of year.



People also have their good angles and not so good angles. This applies to photos and personalities. If you look for the negative, you'll always find some, but you can always find some good, too. This photo shows the english rose 'William Shakespeare 2000'.



I knew almost nothing about photography when I started this blog almost three years ago. But it's amazing what you can learn when you put your mind to it! So don't be afraid to learn something new. Above is a 'Stargazer' oriental lily.



Sometimes simple is beautiful. Here are the leaves of 'Blue Angel' hosta. The leaves aren't as showy as a flower, but I love the way their shapes flow and the water droplets sparkle.



Flowers are fleeting, and waiting too long to get out to the garden with the camera means that I'll miss out on some beautiful blooms (or cute bees). Childhood is fleeting, too. I need to remember to pause and appreciate the wonderful things about my children at each age, because soon they'll move on. This flower is a 'Giggles' dahlia.



Here is a 'Blue Mirror' delphinium. I especially appreciate true blue flowers because they're rare in the garden.



Above is a photo of 'Pink Double Delight' coneflowers. The flower shape changes as it ages, but each stage is beautiful in its own way. If only us women could believe that about ourselves!



Wacky and unusual plants, like this corkscrew rush (Juncus spiralis), make the garden more fun.



Photography has taught me that good light is magical. The midday sun is harsh and bleaches the color out of flowers. Early morning or sunset light is more gentle and allows the flowers and colors to really shine.



To help them shine, children (and the rest of us) need gentle encouragement and not harsh criticism. So I'm especially thankful for the many kind comments left on this blog. I wish you a wonderful holiday season. I'll start posting again in January.
And here you thought I couldn't count . . . it was really hard to pick just ten, so I cheated and included an extra photo.

24 comments:

  1. Hi VW,

    Lovely photos, I hope you have a great time over Christmas, it must be so much more amazing when you have children to share it with... Oh dear, what's wrong with me?? Considering children??? Arghhhhhhh!!!

    And with that shocking thought, I ought to leave :)

    I look forward to seeing your blogpost return in January.

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  2. Your photography really has gotten amazing, you have a good eye. I loved seeing all of your flowers, makes me anxious to see them next year.

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  3. Your photos are simply terrific ... and the subjects are all beautiful! My favourite is definitely the Dogwood blooms ... gorgeous!

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  4. Absolutely wonderful pictures. Season's Greetings and look forward to seeing more in the New Year.

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  5. I wasn't counting, I was enjoying your photos. The dogwood photo looks like they are porcelain blooms. I have so much more to learn on my camera....you are an inspiration.

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  6. Top photo and the corkscrew were my favorites. Thanks for the holiday card, too. Little Al says thanks to big Al for the note!

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  7. Hi VW, I've always loved all of your photos and your wisdom when you share it. Your tips for photographing plants are very good. And I didn't count at all:) Loved them all!

    Have a great holiday season and I'll see you when you get back.

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  8. You do have great photography skills, VW. These are definitely some of the nicest photos I've seen.

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  9. I didn't know you were a novice photographer--great job, always! Merry Christmas to you, VW!

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  10. Beautiful photos. Capturing the beauty before it disappears is also one of the reasons I enjoy photography. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

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  11. Such a beautiful post and I especially enjoyed your wise words. Merry Christmas to you!

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  12. Your summer pictures warm my chilled bones!

    Merry Christmas...

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  13. Those are ALL so pretty! The first one is my favorite. It would look pretty framed and hanging on a wall. Have a wonderful holiday!

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  14. Great words of wisdom to go with beautiful pictures!

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  15. Great photos capturing great moments in the garden with your beautiful flowers! Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

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  16. Dear VW,

    All of them are winners. Every photo I have ever seen on here is though!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    Hugs,
    Rosey

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  17. These photos are all spectacular -- looking forward your photos in the new year. Happy Holidays!

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  18. I've run out of superlatives for your photos....

    Merry Christmas

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  19. Dear VW, I simply LOVED this post, the photos and your accompanying reflections. I look forward to another year of reading each other's blogs and commenting to each other.I feel I have learned a lot about photography and cameras, i.e. from nothing to a little, but hope 2011 will be a year for more progress in that area. You have helped me a lot with your example and practical advice and suggestions. happy christmas, new year, etc., catmint

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  20. Really gorgeous retrospective. And I so appreciate your comments and observations. especially about appreciating the beauty of each stage. Wise words. happy holidays! Bonnie

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  21. Dear VW, I'm not sure which is more inspiring... your wisdom or your photos. Both draw me in to reflect on the beauty they offer. If we look for it every experience in life can teach us a valuable truth. Finding what I'm looking for through the lens has become one of my most enjoyable hobbies.

    Merriest of Christmas seasons to you and your precious family!
    Meems

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  22. VW, They are worthy of the Top Ten list! Really lovely photos! Happy New year

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  23. Hi VW...you really need to pick a 12th photo so you can make a calendar of those gorgeous shots. Every last one of them is fantastic. Here's wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

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