Bloodroot pictures
by Mark ~ April 20th, 2008. Filed under: Michigan, macro, my woods, nature photography, wildflowers.
Last year, I completely missed the bloom of bloodroot. While walking my dog this morning, I noticed it was already springing up on the side of “Wildflower Ridge.” This ridge is a small section of Clinton River Park in Sterling Heights that has an abundance of spring wildflowers. There is a complete progression from the early risers of Bloodroot and Hepatica, then to Dutchman’s Breeches, Spring Beauties, then Trout Lily, May Apple, and Trillium. Quite an assortment for a very localized area.
Unfortunately, it can be a difficult place to photograph because it is, well - a ridge! This is not a fall down 1000 ft on sharp rocks- break your neck - poke your eye - and a hundred other bones ridge - but one that is steep enough to make it difficult to photograph on it. It is also by a popular jogging / bike path - so I have to bet people wonder what the heck that person is doing laying down in the dirt. Perhaps thinking I broke my neck and poked my eye.
Bloodroot is a wildflower that you can work a lot with because has interesting leaves, and even the unopened flower can yield some possibilities. Although depth of field can be a bugger because the flower is often quite far away from the leaves, and the leaves have significant curl to them. While I was walking my dog, I noticed this one particular flower that was backlit - and it immediately gave me an idea for a photograph. Then she almost stepped on it! Fortunately I stopped her just in time.
This flower is usually only around for a week before the delicate petals end up falling off. I was glad I could catch them this year - without losing an eye.
April 20th, 2008 at ?
The wildflower foliage is visible, but not a single flower yet. The bloodroot shot is a great take. What a wonderful micro spot for the whole shebang.
April 21st, 2008 at ?
Hi Mark, both of these are really terrific shots! I enjoy the framing and soft light in the first and the beautiful glow and shape of the leaves on the other.
Cheers,
Thomas
P.S. Yep, know what you mean about people looking funny at you at certain times. Can just picture it…
April 21st, 2008 at ?
Beautiful photos! I love the flower peeking out amongst the leaves. I can also commiserate with the dog trampling over what turns out to be your best shot. Happens to me ALL the time!
April 21st, 2008 at ?
I love the framing with the dead leaves. I shall have to add a bag of them to my flower-photo bag.
April 21st, 2008 at ?
Geez Mark, we always seem to come up with similar ideas and such completely independently - must be some telepathy. Very strange - :lol::lol: - I opened a completely new blog dedicated to blooms and blossoms only on Blogger under http://vyala.blogspot.com
I am crazy about these and I thought I might share some of them I collected during the last few years. As usual I am not as professional as you are but maybe serendipity sometimes does its trick also…
Btw - lovely flower image - I have never seen those - not sure whether they exist here…
April 21st, 2008 at ?
Fabulous photos of Bloodroot!! I took some photos of the same flower several weeks ago, and am glad to see how you solved some of the problems I encountered.
I love the downward shot with the leaves creating a frame. What a great idea. And, the backlit one is outstanding! My favorite.
I didn’t get one I like that included the leaves. This was my first year photographing Bloodroot. If you care to see my image it was posted April 7 on my photoblog, http://www.anitabower.aminus3.com
April 21st, 2008 at ?
These are both wonderful images. But the glowing one is really special, probably as good as any image of a bloodroot anywhere (and a great image for any flower). I am of the opinion that flower photography is as difficult or more so than wildlife work. I’d be interested in your approach to this piece.
April 22nd, 2008 at ?
Really lovely images, Mark. I love the first one for its composition (good eye!) and the second for its beautiful backlit lighting. BTW, your commentary made me laugh.
April 22nd, 2008 at ?
Mark, really beautiful images. I particularly like the way the yellow stemens are isolted from the white petals in the backlit shot. I will have to look for these out my way…I don’t think I have ever seen them.
April 22nd, 2008 at ?
Mark: Thank you so very much for visiting my photoblog, and for your encouraging words! I’m enjoying learning to take closeups of the flowers I love.
April 22nd, 2008 at ?
Gorgeous flowers Mark. My old bloodhound wouldn’t of stepped on them he’d of chewed them up and spit them out. Must iritate his nose. Nice article and amazing eye.
April 23rd, 2008 at ?
Well, these are beautiful pictures. You wouldn’t find those over here in the wild, BUT…. one is beautiful flowering in my garden right now, I love the the fine white petals and the leave form.
April 23rd, 2008 at ?
You folks already know it - but I appreciate the comments! Thanks.
April 25th, 2008 at ?
Great shots Mark, I know what you mean I always seem to miss out on this flower, I can never seem to guess when they bloom.
I really like these but the one poking thru the leaf litter is really neat, great work !!
April 25th, 2008 at ?
That top photo is SOOO perfect! The contrast of the white petals against the black background, the framing of the Autumn leaves around the Spring bloom. This shot is the perfect example of effective juxtaposition. Kudos!
April 26th, 2008 at ?
Nice photo and interesting read as well!
April 30th, 2008 at ?
Hi Mark,
Both are excellent, but the backlit one is so unique and just a step above the rest. Love it, man.
May 3rd, 2008 at ?
I misses the bloodroot this year. Last year I got fuzzy pictures of it. These are very clear. Thanks.
May 7th, 2008 at ?
This is awesome Mark. Framing the flower with the broken leaf was really clever and gives it a nice overall texture to highlight it.
May 8th, 2008 at ?
Hey Mark,
Sorry I haven’t been around much lately.
Great photos, both of them .. I can’t say which I like more, they’re both awesome. I’m ready to shoot some flowers up here, but I never manage anything as cool as these when I find them.
Cheers
Carl
May 8th, 2008 at ?
Thanks guys. I appreciate it. Carl - no worries brutha.
May 9th, 2008 at ?
hi mark,
i’ve gotten behind in my blog visits, and realized today how much i missed seeing your work. very inspritirational!
i love the back lighting on the last shot….did you use a black felt sheet or something in the field, or was it a studio shot? very nice.
peace, heather
May 10th, 2008 at ?
Heather - thank you. For your question, it was not studio shot. There was a log with some dark bark on it behind the flower.
May 12th, 2008 at ?
Both lovely images - the flower coming up through the leaves is really attractive and characteristic.
Last year or the year before I put my cheek on poison ivy vines while shooting bloodroot - as bad as a poke in the eye. The poison ivy hadn’t leafed out yet , so I had no idea it was there. Another peril of wildflower photography…
May 12th, 2008 at ?
I really like the various contrasts you played with here: the freshness of the spring flower and the crispy fall leaves, the dark background against the light coloured flower, Spring taking over Winter…
I also bet you had to deal with black flies and mosquitoes!! All the more reasons to really appreciate your work!
May 18th, 2008 at ?
Tom - ugh! I can just imagine as I have had poison ivy in other places, probably worse than the poke. In a few weeks, the woods around me are pretty much unnavigable except for the paths because of overabundant poison ivy.
Sophie, thank you for your comments. Fortunately not too many bugs the time of year around here when this flower blooms.