A Thing Of Beauty

It has been a very cold and blustery day here in Central New York State. I have spend some time indoors this evening just looking at some of my favorite photographs.

"Gerber Daisy I" is one of my favorites because I remember the success I felt after I took this photo with my Canon digital point-and-shoot camera in 2005. It was the first time that I tried using two halogen shop lamps for lighting. I had to do a lot of experimenting to get the lighting right. I had my camera on a tripod, of course.

I felt that I was learning how to use the camera in an artistic way. In addition, I was learning to use the camera's controls.

Now, I can see some improvements that I could make. I would be sure that the flower petals toward the front were a bit sharper while shining some light toward the outer petals.

I enjoy making floral photos using natural indoor light or halogen lighting. I realize that some photographers do not care for this type of photography. However, I believe that each flower is a tiny miracle. The British poet John Keats wrote, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness. "

As photographers, we can use our tools to showcase these small treasures. I know that I will continue to make floral photos, whether I shoot them inside using window light, through the use of halogen lighting or in nature.