I missed last week’s post while I was out chasing what many belief to be the epitome of wildflower photography in Colorado—the Colorado columbine. Although it is not unique to Colorado, it is found primarily in the Colorado Rockies. That may be why it was chosen as the state flower.
Most of the time it is photographed as a single blossom since its large size cries out for close-ups. Next on the list are clusters of columbines followed by columbines in a field of wildflowers. There can be no doubt that all of these viewpoints are capable of producing stunning results.
I spent a day with a couple of friends who had traveled from across the Great Plains to photograph the legendary columbine. Since I live where the columbines grow, I must admit that I have grown a bit complacent about them, so the enthusiasm of these fellow photographers seeing something that to them is rare and unusual was quite refreshing and also quite contagious. This photo of a columbine cluster leaves no doubt that the flowers are as spectacular as ever when seen through fresh eyes.
A beautiful cluster of columbine in a rocky slope.
But the next day I was shooting by myself and the previous day’s infectious enthusiasm had waned more than a little. I was left to wrestle with my own desire to shoot something different. With the plethora of images now available, that’s a challenge for all photographers. While shooting fairly typical columbine shots, I was startled by a mouse scurrying through the grass. As I turned to watch its activities, my attention was caught by a particular columbine blossom. The color wasn’t the magnificent blue that is the preferred color, but instead was a less desirable purplish coloration. In spite of the color, my attention was captured by the soft sensuality of the petals and spurs on the back side of the blossom.
An atypical shot of a colubmine blossom from the back.
I spent the next hour (as well as several more on subsequent days) photographing columbines from the back. I have no delusions about this being an award winning photograph, but it did satisfy my need to create a columbine image from a different perspective. It also points out the need to push ourselves creatively to find that unique image, our own perspective on the world around us.
Enjoy
Frank
Tags: columbine, perspective, wildflower
Hi Frank, I like both of these columbine shots and I can really relate to your need to find creative new alternatives to photographing something that frequently finds its way in front of the lens. The second image is quite interesting with all it’s graphic lines and infrequently seen details. Nice job to think outside the box.
By the way, thanks for making time in your schedule to shoot for a few hours with a couple of flatlanders.
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
It is tough shooting something that hasn’t been shot to death already. That’s one way to separate the serious photographers from the amatuers. Hey, if it were easy everybody would be doing it and nobody would care.
I enjoyed shooting with you and Tom, even though you are ‘flatlanders’. I got some good shots in good company. It doesn’t get any better than that. I’m looking forward to the next time we can get together.
Thanks for some good thoughts there. I am kind of new to web surfing, so I printed this off to put in my file, any better way to go about keeping track of it then printing?
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and hardly found any specific details on other sites, but then great to be here, seriously, thanks…
- Josh
Josh,
Glad you found this useful. Too many photographers are content to shoot the same image that someone else has already done. Where is the creativity in that? Might as well make a Xerox copy. Finding your own unique vision is the true joy of photography.
Frank
Hey this is a decent write up. Can I use some of it on my page? I would of course link back to your page so people could read the full post if they wanted to. Thanks either way.
Certainly. If you don’t mind, send me a link, I’d be interested in seeing what you do with it.
Frank