Outside – Inside

The outside world has not transitioned to spring. We’ve had snow, sleet, rain, and a thick ice that covered everything — the trees, the walkways, the electrical lines, the fences, and the barbed wire. Suspended in the cold air, the ice drips froze in place. It was eerie to see, and even stranger to watch as the temperatures rose. The wind picked up and the ice began falling from the electrical lines and trees. As I parked my car, it was like a hail storm with bits of ice raining down from the overhead tree branches.

But there’s a respite with being indoors, especially at the McNeely Conservatory in Saint Paul. Spring is at its finest without the cold, the snow, or the ice. Here it’s a feast of color with flowers and plants that make us yearn for the warmth of spring. And there’s a scent of green and color that can’t be denied. Poppies, tulips, ranunculus – all blooming without any care to the outside cold. A truly wonderful escape from our long winter season.

Why flower photography?

I’ve been trying to understand why I am drawn to photographing flowers when there are so many other things that one could use as a photographic subject.  Flowers are generally available, although in Minnesota they are not in their “own” environment during our snowy winter months, but can be found in the humidity and warmth of a conservatory or a floral shop.  Yet just because a particular flower is blooming does not mean that a beautiful photograph can be made of it.  The best conclusion I have come to is that I am drawn to color — the bright colors, the subtle colors, the hues and shades, and the combinations of multiples colors together.  This photo is of a plant that many people would not even consider growing for its beauty — catmint.  It can become big and it can become floppy.  And yet in its own way it is a beautiful combination of shades of lavender and purple.  Today I found this stand of catmint near some salmon-colored poppies.  The two seemed to be subtly and beautifully complimenting each other in the soft and wonderful way that only nature can provide.