Columbus Botanical Garden

Columbus Botanical Garden

I was sitting at my desk after uploading yesterday’s post, my mind floating within the possibilities for the day, when it hit me… If I go to work now, I could leave early and visit the botanical garden. That started a flurry of activity. Brush the teeth, get dressed, pack a lunch, pack the camera bag and out the door I flew.

It wasn’t going to be a great weather day but with rain in the forecast for Saturday and temperatures dropping on Sunday I didn’t want to waste even a slim chance for a few pics. I’m not going to lie, focus all day was not top notch. More than once I thought of using a few hours of personal time but I pushed on and walked out the door at 2:30pm. I even managed to finish a couple of task before leaving. 🙂

I walked through the garden gate at 3pm. There was a lot of the Shine event still visible. From what I could tell they were working from one end of the property toward the other. No problem, it wasn’t going to be in my way. The lady at the gate let me know the Camellias were blooming and to be sure not to miss them.

Well, the first image isn’t a Camellia but hot damn! Yep! Good decision for today…

Oh yeah, not everything was in bloom but there was color everywhere. I froze for a moment not sure which direction to go in first. Out of the corner of my eye I spied a wooden bench swing and a trail off the paved path. To the right we go.

Not every attempt was successful. I don’t think I came home with a Camellia image I’m happy with but that gives me a reason to return (like I need one… LOL). The bench swing attempts (several different swings) didn’t do it for me, but I did find a bench where someone left a Camellia blossom on the arm. You already know I can’t pass up a bench.

Nestled among the trees and plants, off the normal path, this looked like a good place to sit and let the cares of the day melt away. I wanted to, but I was on the clock. The garden closes at 4pm and I had more to see.

I switched lenses to the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm. I used this lens trying to be creative with a few of the Camellias. I need more practice, both in getting the focus I want as well as interesting compositions. I did find this little one.

Eventually, I worked my way back to the fountain. It is a central feature of the Camellia Bowl garden. The snowflake lights from the Christmas event still hang throughout the garden giving the fountain an ethereal vibe. The properties of the lens also contribute to the effect. This is almost the same view as my Community image on the Shine post.

Park closing time was approaching fast. I wanted to explore the gardens around the farm house before I called it a day. I switched back to the 105mm macro lens since I was frustrated with the Lensbaby. I basically had the garden to myself and the walk back along the trail helped to improve my mood.

As I expected, not a lot of subjects around the farm house. I could see in a few weeks, maybe a month, this area will be popping again. I need to get my act together and figure out how to use the 85mm lens. I did manage to find a couple of interesting views with my normal macro…

As I was heading out, I met one of the employees. I wish I had asked his name. Anyway, he is a photographer too. He asked if I got any good pics and wanted to know what I was using. We talked about macros and he mentioned his setup includes a multi-light rig. He said it allowed more control over a ring light. I would agree and it would depend on the subject but for now I’ll stick with my ring light.

I will say, every interaction with the people at the garden makes me feel good. They are all so nice and I’m very happy with being a member. I’m looking forward to what the garden will do this year…

Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

In the early afternoon I was contemplating being more active.

What is this?

Huh?

Where are you going with this? And seriously, contemplating? You were barely rubbing two thoughts together much less contemplating.

I’m writing?

Are you sure?

Yes… well, maybe?

If you’re unsure, imagine what your reader is thinking.

Huh?

Wow, you’re a smart one, aren’t you?

Hey!

Just commenting on your monosyllabic responses…

My daughter works the first weekend shift, which is Friday thru Sunday, 7am to 7pm. I’m not sure I could do the twelve hour shift but the plus side is your weekend is four days long. I gave her a call after lunch to see how she was doing since she had spent the holiday with her mom. She was getting ready to go for a walk around her apartment complex.

Seeing how I told myself I was going to be more active, I asked if she wanted to go for a walk around Flat Rock Park. We are both about five minutes from the park (opposite directions) and agreed to meet in ten minutes. It was a sunny day but the temps were starting to cool off. Still, a walk would be good. A chance to chat and selfishly, I could play with the new lens.

Don’t worry, it works for her too. She gets to play the Pokemon Go on her phone. Apparently, there are a lot of opportunities to catch them all at the park. So, a win-win for us.

The new lens is a little challenging. I’m up to it though. I like the results when I get it right. I guess I’ll have to go for more walks to practice. That isn’t a bad thing. I missed these three amigos while we were walking. My daughter stopped to investigate and then pointed them out to me. See, you got the credit you wanted… 😉

I have a few more images from the walk I am playing with, hopefully the vision will come together so I can share them with you. If not, well, the park is only five minutes away…

Callaway Resort & Gardens

Although I have enjoyed my recent series of flowers past their prime, I haven’t forgotten about color. Also, I rediscovered a photographer I have looked to for inspiration with my floral photography. Maybe some of this is due to the dreary weather of late… maybe.

If you are looking for incredible images of flowers I invite you to look to Anne Belmont. She is a photographer in Chicago who is a Lensbaby Trailblazer. I can get lost in her image galleries. I’m now looking forward to March next year when I’ll be able see if any of this inspiration has rubbed off on me.

Until then, I processed a few images from Callaway Gardens earlier this year…