Orchids

Orchids are one of my favorite flowers.  They are SO impressive with their vibrant colors and unique patterns.  They are also very challenging to photograph!  Sometimes, you just don't have a lot of choice when it comes to lighting.  It depends on what time of day you are shooting and the position of the orchid.  (So far, I have resisted the urge to reposition the flower for a more favorable light.)  My best shots, so far, are backlit orchids with lots of nice bokeh in the background.  Here's an example:

f/4.0, ISO 160

The best place to take pictures of orchids is at a botanical garden.  Local fairs are also great, as they display many different kinds of orchids and it is fun to see which ones are judged blue-ribbon worthy.  Some cities have orchid societies that put on excellent orchid shows and plant sales.  Typically, I ask a lot of questions and have learned a lot about caring for orchids this way.  To use good photography etiquette, it is always best to ask for permission to take photos first.  I explain that I plan to sell my photos and ask if that is okay.  Usually, I get a resounding "sure".  Recently, my husband and I took a trip to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida.  The greenhouse was simply stunning, with giddy photographers (me included) walking around with huge smiles on their faces.

I learned from a short video upon entering the gardens, that orchids are epiphytes.  Apparently, Selby gardens has the largest collection in the country.  Epiphytes are plants that grow on another plant without harming it.  They receive their nutrients from the air and rain.  Some other examples of epiphytes are ferns, mosses, lichens and bromeliads.  Below is a picture of a bromeliad and Spanish Moss fountain that you will find at Selby.  I love this idea and hope to replicate it some day.  This would look great in front of my house!

Click HERE to see my Orchids Gallery on Fine Art America.

Click HERE to see other orchid artwork on Fine Art America.  

I hope to go back to Selby Gardens soon, to take more photos and to visit their wonderful gift shop.  It is almost as beautiful as the gardens themselves!  

For information on art classes, photography classes, botany classes, etc, check out Selby.org.  

To learn more about orchids, check out the American Orchid Society.  

If anyone has the name of a good orchid identifier book, I would really appreciate the information.  

Thank you!

Carol

European Charm

Europe...amazing food, cozy gardens, interesting museums...it is my favorite vacation destination.  I love the movie 'Something's Gotta Give', especially the scene where Diane Keaton visits Paris.  My dream has always been to spend a day roaming around the city by myself, visiting parks, eating at sidewalk cafes and, of course, taking photos.  Last year, my dream came true!  I visited Rodin Museum Garden, Tulieres Garden, Cluny Medieval Museum Garden and the lovely Monceau Park.  It was magical.      

European Gardens

France

My family lived in Belgium for a total of 10 years.  It is a photographer's paradise, with quaint houses, beautiful landscapes and rich history. When I return to Belgium, I get the feeling that I'm coming home and it brings to mind memories of wonderful get-togethers with friends, school events and traveling with my family.

Belgium

My husband is Dutch and that accounts for my many pictures from the Netherlands.  To me, it is like a fairytale land, so neat and organized with lovely tree-lined roads and lots of waterways that are great for reflections.  Holland is all about the color green.  Recently, we went back to Norway, where we lived for a short time in the 90's, and once again I was struck with that feeling of coming home.  It was here that I learned the importance of color in decorating as our bright yellow and red curtains gave me a 'boost' every morning during dark winter days.  Even the houses are painted with those warm yellows and reds. 

The Netherlands

When my children were small, I focused mostly on chronicling their childhood and filling up scrapbooks.  Now that they are grown, I have in mind to capture the mood of the day or essence of the experience.  

Check out all of my European photos, available on Fine Art America:  Europe 

Check out other amazing European artwork here:  Europe