Squared – SQ209
The Little Things – TLT015
Columbus Botanical Garden

and then the sun exploded…
Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/1600s, f/5.6, ISO 100
In January, when I visited the botanical garden, I ventured down a trail winding through the woods. It was more for extending my stay and increasing my steps but I found what I thought would be an interesting project. The trees had vines wrapping around them. I remembered seeing this when I was growing up. I used to live in the woods, and by that I mean I played there constantly. It was a different time I suppose, because I never let my kids play alone like I did.
Anyway, back to the project. I wanted to capture how the vines used the trees to climb toward the sky. I made a mental note that the project should be called “wrapped” (trying it out, not sure if I’ll keep it). I had the 105mm macro lens on the camera and proceeded to click away. When I uploaded the images and started my review I realized my mistake. I thought a narrow focus would be the way to go so I could keep the background blurred but it didn’t allow enough detail in the subject.
Cue my next visit…

Together Forever
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/11, ISO 1600

Hugs
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/9, ISO 900

Not Letting Go
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/9, ISO 1250

Wrapped
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/60s, f/9, ISO 1000
I even surprised myself and resisted the urge to process these as B&W images. I was about half way through the processing when I switched back to color images. I think it was for the best… at least that is what I’m telling myself… 🙂
You don’t know what you don’t know. Last year I missed the camellia season. Thankfully, due to my membership with the botanical garden I received a newsletter explaining all the upcoming events surrounding camellias. To be honest, I stole the title for this post from the garden’s newsletter. I’ll let the experts explain… Winter in Bloom.
I have been busy adding each opportunity to my calendar. This year I want to explore it all. Last year I happened upon the tail end of the camellia season. This image is from an April visit…

Camellia Lost
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/3.2, ISO 450