Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Solstice Life

I had time for a summer solstice stroll this morning before I had to go to work. It was overcast so I knew it would be a nice photography day. It was fun to play with the settings on the camera a bit.  I still have a lot to learn but here are a few of the better results.

Weedus Neighborhoodum


Is it me or does it look like this wildflower is sticking its tongue out at me?


I never even noticed the insect until I downloaded the pictures from the camera.


I just liked the black against the orange here.


Rhododendrons (yes, I really know the name of this one!) don't usually catch my eye but the white flower against pink buds grabbed me today.


One of the reasons I like macro photography is I find things I would otherwise miss.  I was just trying to get the texture of the hairy little petals on another dime-sized blossom when I saw the smaller than rice-sized grasshopper on this one.


This blossom was smaller than my pinky fingernail.


And finally a nice fat bumble bee landing on uh...a purpley thistley thing.


Welcome to the Solstice!

18 comments:

Craig said...

I gave some thought to putting something together related to the solstice. There's something fitting about marking time according to the heavens. . .

Nice photos, too. . .

Hilary said...

Very nice photos, Michelle.. with great shallow depth of field. Isn't it cool how these little critters show up unexpectedly and are only seen after uploading? It happens to me all the time.

Anonymous said...

great shots!
I have nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award. Come over to my place to get your plaque!

Jinksy said...

Your botanical appellations are second to none! LOL. I love 'em! The pictures are pretty cute, too...

Commander Zaius said...

Great pictures!

Can we now head back towards Fall? This summer is already a bust, I want my kids back in school and cooler temperatures.

Dave said...

Wonderful photos Michelle. I like photos of flowers with insects in them. Good macro shots - Dave

Anonymous said...

Great to see you back to using your camera!

silly rabbit said...

Obviously your camera troubles are over! These are wonderful pics.
How could anyone have a bad day after a nice walk with so much beauty?

Cricket said...

Lots of weedus where I live. When we found out there was a local 4H, we had a lot of fun with that...

Prizewinning wharf rats? Colossal ragweed specimens? Well, actually, if you go just a little west of me, there are farms and animals and stuff, but still...

Suldog said...

The blossom smaller than your pinky fingernail were prevalent in Dorchester during my youth, but I hadn't though of them - or seen them - in years. I wonder what they are? As I recall, we used to break off the stems and be able to paint our hands or faces with the sap (much to the non-delight of our mothers.)

~Tim said...

Very cool. I need to take a walk with my camera again.

Pheromone Girl said...

Beautiful shots! My favorite is the blue one - and it's blowing you a kiss, silly!!

Bijoux said...

Those are some really divine photos, Lime.

secret agent woman said...

Beautiful. We were of one mind with our solstice posts.

Jocelyn said...

You are macro-awesome, Toots. And the neighborhood weed name cracked me up.

Cosima said...

More please :)

Kat said...

Beautiful shots! The orange against the black (I think that is a Tiger Lily, ??) is my FAVORITE!

S said...

I just love your flower pics, and, yes, its amazing what tiny life forms are hiding amongst them!