Botanical

Spring Blossoms

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An overcast day makes a great opportunity to get some amazing shots in natural and ambient light. In this scenario, the overcast sky is complemented with pale pink hues offered by the flower blossoms. These captures are special because of the different focal lengths of the branches and blossoms; some are closer to the camera, while others further away - adding depth and volume to the composition.

Now, if spring could only hurry up & stay! 

Cherry Blossom Pub

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Shots from a quick visit to this extremely coveted, highly anticipated and popularly photographed spring attraction. The popularity is largely due to the photogenic setting and spring themed ambiance. The Cherry Blossom Pub is a pop up bar, presented by Drink Company, featuring Asian inspired cocktails and snacks. 

PHS Flower Show

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Ah, yes. How do you know that springtime is right around the corner? Because the Philadelphia Flower Show is on blossom at the convention center! This years theme was "Wonders of Water", celebrating and exploring the beauty and life-sustaining interplay of horticulture and water. Some of my favorite parts of the show included the juried competitions - especially the one where competitors created a flower display inspired by a painting (see below!) I also enjoyed the live flower competitions too! 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

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It's that time of year when things are just prettier, more festive and full of charm. Snow, poinsettias and glowy fairy lights! Hope everyone has a very Happy Holiday season! 

xo.

Upward Spines

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What a view, courtesy of the Horticultural Center

Wanted House Guests

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Every so often, when I am working on the Immortal Floral series, my home transforms into a tropical dream filled with excessive amounts of colorful flowers and exotic botanics. Over the summer, when these Gladioluses were in bloom, I wanted to get as many color varitions as possible. Pictured below, their massive stem spans, totally engulfing my living room. Their colorful petals really pop against the grey and neutral background and accents. 

Shadows

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It's a HOT summer day in DC. My parents never cease to amaze me with their landscaping and gardening skills. (My father built this deck by hand, by himself!) My mother keeps her tropical plants in the sun - and during midday, when the light is the harshest, they cast shadows onto the deck that move every so often, either with the wind or the movement of the sun. 

First Day of Fall

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Pictured in front of Jeff Koon's "Split Rocker" sculpture at the Glenstone Museum in Potomac, MD. Photos don't do this piece justice - there is so much detail to be seen in person. PS. Photos of myself taken by mother dearest!

 

Botanical Gardens

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A botanical dream. Many reasons make this such a beautiful place. So much to explore here! Pics from our adventure above!

 

Night Florals

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Different floral species are photographed just as dusk settles over the sky. Their vibrant colors are even more animated and electrifying as they are illuminated against the night backdrop. 

 

50mm - 1/125 - f/1.8 - ISO 800

50mm - 1/60 - f/1.8 - ISO 800

50mm - 1/40 - f/1.8 - ISO 800

Location Scout: Horticultural Center

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Wandering and exploring aimlessly does not go in vain, especially when you stumble across a location like the Horticultural Center. Typically, this space is an event venue that is used for weddings, banquets and receptions. However, it was just my luck to have the place all to myself for an afternoon! I kind of just wandered in and nobody told me to leave, so I quietly floated around, basking in the ambiance.