Trillium and bark
I never understood why this wildflower is labeled “purple” – I am thinking whoever named it had some color issues. Similar to normal large-flowered white trillium, I have photographed this species so much that it is difficult to think up some new way to portray them. (purple trillium photos)
In this latest series of images, I tried to work on the theme of how these wildflowers stand up tall (probably where the latin name comes from) with the towering trees of this Michigan woodland. It shows a bit of the environment they grow in, and keeps a common graphical theme to the photograph (or so I hope). Finding groups of flowers without a lot of other clutter around takes some patience. Then the setting has to work well with the surrounding trees, no wind, and no harsh lighting. Fortunately all of these things seem to come together for a few images.
In the first one here, I liked the way the bark, flower bundle, and sun all line up. For the second, I was working on a very steep hillside with my right angle finder attached to get the camera low enough to the ground and pointed upward. I like the perspective – how the flowers and the trees both seem to be towering – the bug’s eye view.
I hope you enjoy them.
Red Trillium and Towers
Thanks a lot everyone.
Wonderful, really places the plants in context.
I adore both of these images. Love how the flowers are the focus but with such an amazing backdrop. Captivating. Great angles!
Beautiful…I really love the idea of the contrast with the trees
Hi Mark,
Really like this photo and how your composition, great angle.
Just beautiful Mark, this is my first visit to your blog and I’m in awe. I love the angle you took these with, I have a right angle finder and never use it, this gives me some inspiration to knock the dust off of it.
Mark, I believe you were spot-on going with this low, upward view perspective. On the second photo especially, it seems the background trees are “pointing” to the Trillium. As usual, wonderful work.
I absolutely LOVE these photographs! The angles are amazing and I love the colors!
I love following your blog and always draw inspiration from it! I hope to one day be on your level!
Thank you very much Nicole.
I know that back in the middle ages “royal purple” was actually red. Perhaps this is a throwback to that. Regardless, nice shots of a lovely flower!
Purple, no. Gorgeous, yes. You have infected a lot of people with the bug for a right angle finder. I had done a little investigating of the device, but had no reason to get really excited about it. Now you have me wanting to get more serious about it.
Your gallery of trilliums is stunning and inspiring—too many favorites to name, although FL-9229 may stick with me the longest.
You would be amazed at how a right angle finder enables a perspective that you may have never considered. It is a big savior from having to be a contortionist in some positions to look through the viewfinder. 🙂
Thank you very much Anita.
Both images are great, Mark. I like the perspective and mainly how you showed the environment because this is something that I very often forget while sticking to my macro lens. When I tried to capture a field of spring anemones on a creek bank a week ago I was hopeless 🙁
Tomas, I need the same reminders now and then. The ol’ saying of when you need inspiration, try a new lens applies here.
wow. haven’t been to your blog in awhile. always an inspiration when i do. i love the perspective here. makes me want one of those right angle finders….
Thanks for coming back Heather! See my other reply to Anita on the right angle finder.
I agree with Monte. You have done something unusual with these small flowers. I particularly like the second image with the hoary woods silhouettes in the background. I like how the color is concentrated in the foreground. When I visited Michigan, I thought the Upper Peninsula was beautiful and the West Coast where I stayed around Muskegon was nice too. However, compared to the dramatic scenery of the West, it appeared to me that I would run out of photographing opportunities in time, even though I believe in what Edward Weston said about looking at his shoe and finding an interesting photograph. It never ceases to amaze me how you continue to put together brilliant photographs week after week, while in my opinion you don’t have as much to work with.
Hi David,
I am not so sure I would agree with you when it comes to the Pictured Rocks area of Michigan – quite spectacular if you have not visited there. Quite possibly it can rival at least -some- of the scenery in the West. 😉 But, that is only an isolated area around here, and for sure in general I would have to agree the opportunities for grand landscapes are much more plentiful out there. We have to make due with what we can. 🙂 Thank you for your comments.
I love both images and your perspective is awesome. I’m new to these flowers since moving to Ohio. They are wonderfully beautiful. Since they do not gain much height most images we do see are from above so I do like these two views. The color is also rich and inviting to me.
Thanks a bunch Monte. Glad you liked them.