Purple Betony

It wasn't in my flower book.  I actually had to go out and use different sources! Do you know how uncommon that is? Stan Tekiela so rarely lets me down.  What's up Stan? Is it time for a new book? Maybe I'll just make my own book, how about that.

Jon

Blue Eyed Grass

A wonderful reminder of the delicate and varying wildflower blooms on our first spring jaunt in the woods. A reminder that we all need to get out into nature.
jon

Three Squares

The triptych is a common photographic style. Just something about three makes it such a magic number. Unless you get up to like 20, then it's impressive due to the volume of like works.

jon

The Effulgent Purple Lily

The effulgence of these lily's is unbelievable. I was going to use the word iridescent to describe them, but through some research, I've discovered that is not the correct word.  Iridescent describes rainbow like, and effulgent describes "radiant splendor". And, really, could you think of any better word?

Before The Bloom

It is quite fantastic to watch the plants rise from the dirt in preparation of the flower. And to see them so close to exploding into full bloom right outside of my office window.... just spectacular.
jon

Sunset, In my Yard

Yes!  And Bleeding Hearts and all.  Sorry, stringing it out a little here. I haven't been as prolific as moments past with my Flickr feed.

Backlit ferns, am I going hipster again?
jon

A Lot More Yard

Our house has a lot of yard. And I'm not really referring to square feet / acreage, more it has so much going on. Each small section of the yard seems to have enough plants and flowers to overwhelm. I honestly have no idea how we're going to take care of it all..... one day at a time. Right????
jon

Its Mine, so It's Better

Better than what you say?  Take your pick. What are we talking about?  My yard.

We have seven flowering fruit trees.  Seven! And then three additional ornamental shrubs, two of which I have yet to see bloom.  During the last couple of days it was as if it were snowing flower petals. I really, truly, wonderful thing.

Man, I can just feel some day in the future capturing that perfect moment of a daughter dancing in the falling petals of a blossoming tree. I'll totally have my camera out!
jon

Started To Late - Hinterland Milwaukee

I probably could have made a much better story about our night out with Julie and Dave, but the fear factor with just whipping it out any which where is still high. The camera absolutely calls attention to itself, especially when paired with the 24-70 2.8, the size is alarming in an age of supercompacts and cell phone cameras. 

But, it allows one to capture simply insane high ISO shots, for instance the above was at ISO 3200! I generally found the Olympus's top end to be around 600, if I were pushing it, even for web only publishing, and I probably couldn't make a print at that rate. The full frame cameras simply allow you to forget everything you knew about ISO. IMHO.

Very cutely, Hinterland named this desert the "Three Way", then proceeded to explain that was the least scandalous name they could come up with.

Julie has a strict "no pictures" philosophy.  Interestingly, you can also see the artifacts from pushing the gain at this ISO. 

Jon

Acrylic Purpleness.

I am sincerely curious how long one could stare at a piece of purple acrylic. If this couple is any guide, more 20 minutes isn't out of the question.
Jon

Engrossing - Milwaukee Art Museum; Chihuly

You would have to go way back to my first digital camera for the last time I thought highly of a Chihuly picture I've taken.  But, finally, here we are again. Recreating the past with new equipment, at new angles, and with new knowledge. I quite enjoy when they park the glass monster in the middle of the atrium, yet the MAM always seems to tuck it away in the corner, and you know what Swayze would say about that! Anyway, I'm still getting a hang of the new rig. Not that I can't get a good picture out of it, but that I don't have a feel for making a picture on its strengths. Hopefully I'll get there, and wish me happy shooting on the way!

The Fun of Flowers

I really enjoyed the spring in bloom at the Milwaukee Art Museum. It was a very impressive display of work.
jon

Whoops.

Looks like it has been a little while since the last post.  Vacation will do that to you!

I keep thinking I may pull this off the lamp post and frame it home.  I'm sure Kat would disagree on that.
jon