Congregation 2

Yesterday's photo was a macro close-up of a plant I could have held in the cupped palms of my hands. Today's plant is a likely relative of yesterday's, though this is no macro. These leaves could be measured in feet, not inches, and would need a small room to occupy.Everything about the cactus and succulent section of the Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar, California, was captivating when I was there with Deb recently. But I was especially struck by the beautiful, strong southwestern light. These leaves are almost glowing - in part because of the reflected light bouncing off of the leaves and also because the leaves are slightly translucent. But it was soft blues and greens of this plant that attracted me to this scene. The sun was warm but the hues were cool.Incidentally, I am experimenting with a new app on my iPad and iPhone called iPhoto. To Mac users, it is nothing new. But it is new for our portable devices. One of the things it allows is the publication of something called "journals." Here's a link to my California journal.

Congregation

This is another macro photograph taken on my recent trip to California. The place is the Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar. Sorry, but I don't know the name of the plant.

Green Fingers

I took around 500 photos while I was in California recently. Most of them are of plants. Today, I post yet another example of the flora that grow in southern California.I believe that nothing in nature develops accidentally and when I look at this I wonder about the purpose of all of the parts of this fern and of their design. Maybe a fern expert could chime in. Or maybe I could look it up on Wikipedia. . . .

Pastel Trinity

I spent 5 days in California and most of what I photographed was done with my 100mm macro lens at two different gardens. Yes, I'm in a rut. But I like it. . . .

Shades of Blue and Green

I was in photography heaven at the Sherman Gardens in Laguna del Mar, California - especially in the cactus section because of all of the amazing lines and textures. Sorry but I don't know the name of this cactus but it looks like a little magical kingdom with decorated domes.

Complementary

Taken at the Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar, California.

Linear Green

I am in California for a few days and because I am using my iPad and iPhone for work and connectivity, keeping up with this blog is a little more challenging - especially the photo editing. But I'll try to do my best.This photo was taken a few blocks from my aunt's house and it is like alot of green things I post - it is very green.But aside from that, I really like the luminescence of this photo. I probably took 40 photos of this plant and they are pretty redundant. But, as usual, my photography wasn't so much about what I got as it was that I was out seeing and seeking. And it was a perfect southern California morning, with temperatures heading into the high 70s. :-)

Painted

You tell me the evolutionary intent of colorful tree trunks. Could it be to lure tourists to Maui from places like South Dakota, where trees tend to be utilitarian and bland?

Windfall

I guess I kind of like the "lone gold leaf" theme. This time I found a single leaf stuck to the hood of a gray car.Other gold leaves:Aspen LeafFrozen In TimeBefore the Fall

Tangle

Frosty Colony

I talk from time to time about chaos and patterns in nature. When you move the camera lens in close to something, it's hard not to see things that you would otherwise miss.As I was preparing this photo I was wondering about the "why" and "where" of the formation of frost crystals. And why not wonder "why?", too?

An Abandoned World

This piece of coral was lying on a beach in Mexico that was covered with pieces of coral. I'm not sure what causes coral to wash up, or even what coral like this looked like when it was thriving in it's undersea world. But I do know that the many small structure make for good macro subjects - especially in low, angular light.