Blog Archives
Summer Photography
This past summer was great for my photography. I was lucky to see numerous butterflies, dragonflies, and flowers. I hiked a lot less than I normally do. The free weekends I had were spent running Spartan Races versus hiking and that’s okay. I’m hoping that my Saturdays will free up soon so I can get back to it. I imagine I’ll be hiking a ton this winter to make up for it.
I wanted to share a handful of photos from this past summer. Some of these are included in my calendars that can be pre-ordered but I am also leaving some as a surprise.
Enjoy!
Spring in Virginia
Spring is the busiest time of year for me. Both of my kids have sports virtually every night of the week plus games and that means I’m getting home from work, finding anything for dinner, and then driving off to a practice or game (often both). I try to find time to do my Spartan Race training but the weather has been uncooperative with my asthma. So needless to say, spring hasn’t given me much time for hiking or photos. It has been raining for 4 days now and all I want is to get to a waterfall. I also want to go see baby owls. I want to work on my macro photography. I haven’t had time for hikes but do find time to get out into nature a bit. That’s what counts.
What are you photographing this spring? Where are you hiking?
Here is a bit of what I’ve captured over the past month.
Zebra striped Swallow Tail
Macro of a white flower
Spring would not be complete without a prom photo
Visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
This past weekend I was in Richmond, VA for a friend’s wedding. I debated on what to do Sunday morning – I had a lot of options. I settled on Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens since let’s face it – I’m nuts about flowers.
I saw that they opened early on Sunday mornings so I arrived by 8:15 am. This was the second best decision I’ve made in the last month. It was me and many 4-5 other people in the gardens. I was specifically interested in visiting the butterfly exhibit. That opened at 9 am so I wandered around until I could enter that facility. I had a cute little dragonfly that posed for me. I was able to get fairly close and get a series of shots so I could build a composite (stacking). After I talked with him for awhile I saw a monarch. It, too, stayed in one spot allowing me to photograph it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as successful with those photos. I must have been shaking as many were out of focus.
Up close and person with the dragonfly
After my modeling sessions with those two I moved towards the butterfly exhibit. It was hard to not get distracted by the beautiful gardens. They layout is wonderful – always something new to see around each corner. I stopped for a few photos since there were no people to be seen. From photos I’ve seen – that seems to be rare.
Pretty area walking towards the butterfly exhibit
And finally the butterflies. What wonderful little creatures. They flit and flutter and look like they are flying drunk. In exhibits like these you have to be very careful. They land everywhere – floors, walls, your head and sometimes your backside (yep!). You need to be careful where you step so as not to injure them. I think I was able to photograph 10-12 different types. I don’t know all of their names but did try to learn them. I have added a few below. I was in there long enough for sweat to start dripping into my eyes. I probably looked like a hot mess when I left that room.
The children’s garden is most impressive. It is large with a big tree house, splash pad, sand lot, and other activities. Of course I explored it all. They had some big and beautiful sunflowers there that were just about ready to die. At least one was standing tall (too tall really because it was hard to photograph) and I spent time taking its picture. I found some others a little later on that were more my size.
Hello, Sunshine
I didn’t take a ton of flower photos during my trip. I tried to spend some time in peace and quiet, really taking in the sights. I had some reflecting to do. A decision I wanted to make. Being in such a beautiful spot really helped with all of those things.
Loved this statue
The price of admission for adults is $13. Considering the size of the garden and the butterfly exhibit – I’d say that’s a bargain. If you plan on visiting I do recommend going first thing in the morning. Beating the crowds is always good and you’ll really be able to enjoy the gardens.
Go visit the rest of my photos. Please note that prints are available of all photos. If you’re interested in one, let me know.
Exploring the United States National Arboretum
A lot of time has passed since I last visited the National Arboretum. I remember taking my mom there ages go when my daughter was little. I had some free time the other day so I decided to go explore.
One of the first things you see when you arrive and drive through the arboretum are the large columns. These are original columns from the Capitol building. They removed them when they redid the facade and they ended up at the arboretum. They are quite impressive. When I was there a photographer was conducting a photoshoot.
Photoshoot at the Columns
It was cool to see it all reflected (if only there had been more water). From the columns I wandered over to a meadow-like area. It was full of Rosinweed and bees. I had a grand time trying to capture everything. I only had my wide angle lens but did the best I could capturing dragonflies and butterflies in addition to the bees. There was a time when I would have been scared to walk through that area fearing I would get stung. Now I know that bees just want to fly from flower to flower so I leave them alone and they ignore me. I was able to shoot this dragonfly who looks like he’s turning his head to smile at me.
Dragonfly giving me a smile
I eventually made my way to the Bonsai area (photos still on my card). The Bonsai trees are absolutely amazing. The work that has been done on them is fascinating. Some have been in the works since the late 1800s. I can’t keep an orchid alive for 5 months…. Outside of the Bonsai area is the flower garden. I could have stayed there for hours attempting to capture the beauty. I had some goals in mind and wanted to do some stacking. I can’t say I was hugely successful as I didn’t bring my tripod. But I did get some flowers that I think are beautiful.
I wish I knew the name of this pretty flower
I like how the petals are illuminated
I was so enraptured by their beauty that I failed to investigate their names. The garden has sections for dying, perfumes, and medicinal. They also have a whole section of chili peppers. I don’t mean a small section. I mean maybe 30-40 different kinds of peppers. I wanted to taste some of them.
After I had explored the flowers I decided to drive over to the Asian area of the arboretum. Since I had failed to bring a snack with me I was getting fairly hungry at this point. But I soldiered on so I could get some more shots. There is an area that leads you out of the arboretum and out to Anacostia River. That was a great spot for finding dragonflies. It also meant I had to walk all the way back up to the parking lot. I did that but not before finding this pagoda.
The Pagoda
I could have spent a lot longer at the arboretum but hunger won out. There is a lot more for me to photograph so I will have to make a return trip. Perhaps in the fall with the leaves in color. If you love nature or flowers and make a trip to Washington DC I highly recommend a visit. Also, it is free unlike a lot of arboretums in the USA.
Rosinweed
Hiking Adventures 