Howard Grill had written previously (updated link) about some challenges he was facing in trying to come up with new ways to photograph trillium that is in bloom this time of year. I had commented on one of his original posts that I often face the same creative block with certain subjects. At the time I was speaking specifically of wide-angle views of trillium, which I don’t have that many of because it is rare I find a situation that works for me. This season I tried to challenge myself to look at this flower in ways I have not in the past. While not wide-angle shots, I think I did come up with some shots that are more unique than anything I have done before with this wildflower.
I have already missed Blootroot and Hepatica this year due to being sick at peak time. It doesn’t take long to miss something during springtime. So I wanted to get out and take advantage of the next group of spring blooms. It also gave me a chance to play a little bit with a reversed Nikon 50 mm f1.4 on the end of my 105 f2.8 macro lenses for some extreme closeups. The shot of the stamen here is with that combination. The others are just my 105 alone.
So I hope you enjoy these three different looks at a fairly common wildflower and my continued pursuit of looking at the graphical nature of plants. Should you experience the same creative blocks – try to break old habits and look at your subject from different angles, from behind, from below. Try to highlight features of the flower that interest you the most, just necessarily just the entire plant.
I love these, Mark!
Thank you Lynn!
Very nice capture ! I like this …
Precious, fragile, romantic, emotive!
Hey Mark, I like what you’ve done with these mages. Its a nice change from the normal straight on shoots.
I never would have guessed that a reversed lens would yield such wonderful results! 🙂
Glad you are feeling better and out and about, … creating again!!
Hey – that’s what it is all about right? I get daily inspiration from all of your sites and images. So in a way, you inspired me to take these! 🙂
okay, time to break out my macro lens. these are truly beautiful and i’m totally inspired now. you really have an eye for capturing the light in a soft yet dramatic way–the lighting doesn’t overpower the delicate texture of the flowers or foliage…very nice.
Really beautiful shots, Mark. I am especially drawn to the close-up of the stamen. All three have a nice abstract feeling to them.
They really are something. Incredible lighting! Looking at them just makes one want to get back out there to take more!
Hey Howard, thanks for the comments. Essentially it was coming ‘from within.’ As the sun was coming up, I noticed this one particular flower pointed right towards it. The sun was shining right down the flower’s throat so to speak. But on the outside, which as slightly shaded, I could see the yellow stamen glowing inside the flower. That is what attracted me to the shots on the outside of the flower.
Bu the way, how did you get that beautiful lighting that almost looks like it is coming from within the flowers. Were they backlit…did you use a flash or other external lighting?
Hey Mark, some REALLY beautiful trillium abstracts here, I really appreciate your sharing them! There is a lot to learn from looking at how you have approached the trillium issue. I got out today and took some shots as well and hope to also get out next weekend.