2015 HD Deep Dive 14 + ?

Gallery: FloraPosted February 22, 20161,831 views4 comments

Hi all.

Thank you for your thoughtful comments on my HD Deep dive images. I appreciate your suggestions and honesty. One thing that Phil mentioned on my last photo was that a larger variety of species would be nice. I understand that I shoot LOTS of Osteospermum photos because the plants are easy to obtain, they are beautiful, and they are easy to grow. However, I do agree with Phil that I would like to branch out some.

We live in Utah, a bit south of Salt Lake City. Our lot is about .19 acres with a reasonable sized house. I have some beds around the house and use lots of containers (I think I plant at least 10 large pots with a variety of flowers - but there is not a lot of variety at local nurseries in the spring).

So what I am asking...Can you all suggest some of your favorite species to photograph that I could try to get seeds or plants? I have been out to Burpee and Brecks and I am thinking of getting some sunflower seeds and maybe a few other plants.

(I should say that I DO have access to a local garden that I go to sometimes, but they do not open early enough for sweet morning light and I have a hard time getting there in the evening. The best thing about planting at home is convenience.)

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Nathan

Nikon D7000, Sigma 180 macro, tripod, ISO 400, f4

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on February 22, 2016 at 8:58 PM

Very nice again, Nathan. Beautiful color wash.

I don't know know what flora would do well in your locale. What do the local botanic gardens grow? Do you have deer or rodent issues? Do you want to attract bees/butterflys/etc? Need drought tolerance? Lots of factors, including your zone if you want to plant in the ground and have come back year after year. Anyway, because you asked, here are some of my favorites for summer photography (I'll skip spring). My personal favorites for summer are coneflowers, dahlias (one of your favorites already), black-eyed susans, cosmos, roses, hibscus, sunflowers, zinnias (bee and butterfly magnets), butterfly bush (ditto), gaillardia, and, Bill's favorite, daylillies.

crying

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on February 23, 2016 at 9:22 PM

There are any number of plants which would lend themselves to potted growth and your style. Varieties of Cone flowers, Daisies, Stokes Aster, Tickseed, etc.) A good Osteospermum picture, BTW. Classic comp, good POF, and a pleasant yellow wash. cool

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Strong on February 25, 2016 at 8:10 AM

Nathan, I prefer 13 to this one. The stamens aren't all that pleasing IMO. The color in 13 is much more pleasing to look at.

Try Stark Bros. nursery online. You put in your zip code, and they tell you what grows in your area. I've ordered several fruit trees from them, and their service is great. If anything doesn't grow, they'll refund or replace when the next batch is available. They even tell you the best time of year to plant and base their shipping times around that.

I've been enjoying your work and look forward to seeing more of it whatever new subject you choose.

Registered on October 1, 2012, 43 Posts, 302 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on February 26, 2016 at 10:28 AM

Nathan: Hard to advise you on plants since I'm pretty clueless regarding what can thrive in your climate. We are so blessed here to be able to grow just about anything but tulips and crocus. I wonder about lady slippers and trillium which seem to be northern species but admittedly not sure they could thrive in semi arid conditions. Coneflowers do sound like a good possibility.

As for this image, I like the POV and POF. My only small nit is the relatively dark URC. It pulls my eye a bit and if this were mine I think I would soften it a bit. Still pretty darn nice. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments