Saturday, August 31, 2013

The Heat of Summer

RoseRose ClusterFlowers

______It's neat how when you visit the same place during different seasons, you're able to sniff out new things.  In autumn, there are warmer colors to the trees, a crisp scent in the air, and little to no flora; in the heat of the summer, trees are bearded with moss and crusted with lichen in subdued shades of mint and cream, and the flowers that have survived have brittle linings on their petals.  There's something lovely about a bright rose that's wilting slightly from the heat opposed to one completely in tact.

______I know that macro nature pictures can be so horribly cliché, but it's no wonder--nature is so pretty up close, especially when the same species of flower has variations in gradients and petal shapes, or when lichen can clutch its frail little hands around a tree in patterns more diverse than sandwich combinations.  Even when it's dying, decaying, or otherwise wasting away, it still seems so alive.

MossMossMoss Roof

______I took these awhile ago when I was on little journey to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I went there last summer, too, and did my best to find some new things to snap.  It was the middle of the day and I perspired more than an old man in a sauna full of attractive young ladies, but I think it resulted in a few decent photos, some bright with life and others a bit more solemn!

Moss Roof

______Do you guys have any places you like to frequently visit, whether it be for picture-taking, day-dreaming about Fabio and his swooshy golden locks, or hiding away from the world for a moment's respite?

29 comments:

Sampada said...

I saw something on tumblr that read something along the lines of: "I love fall because it's so pretty when everything's dying" (I'm sure I heavily paraphrased that...) but it made me realize how true that is. Nature is seriously amazing. That being said, I love your macro shots...they really capture the charm and beauty that the elements of nature have.

-Rose

Nami said...

"I perspired more than an old man in a sauna full of attractive young ladies". That made me laugh a big belly laugh. I swear, it was reminiscent of the jolly ole man or a bowel of jello. But alas, your Grandpapa was highly offended. NOT. He just shook his head and commented once again how utterly multi-talented his granddaughter is.
I love how you have captured the essence of fall. As I sniffed the air like a stallion in heat, I could actually dissect each and every bouquet of the flora that surrounded me. It was if I were transformed into a unique macrocosm. I love the way you express yourself and your articulation of the English language astounds and impresses me so very much. I love you to the moon and back!! Nami

Oliva uns said...

I love your pictures !!!))))
Come and see me too on:

www.olivains.com

Imke said...

Those photos are really beautiful and I don't think there's anything cliché about them. So pretty!

XO Imke

The Dragonfruit said...

Isn't it awesome to see how life is still present even in plants? Even in the decaying phase, you can find beauty or at least something that catches your attention. That's what I love about photography! It highlights what you notice about something. These are great closeups Ali!
Aw, and yes, I may have a tiny teacher crush...sigh. Seriously, you should see him! Holy cow...a deadly combination of good looks and fun personality. Why is it all the good ones are older? Lol I've started realizing it's the 30 year olds that are desirable :P

The Dragonfruit Diaries

Camelia said...

Gorgeous photos! wow, those flowers are absolutely stunning. recently my nice daydreaming spot has actually been the trolley, since i've started school i've been on it quite frequently.

iwantyourkittens.blogspot.com

OrigamiGirl said...

I hope macro pictures are not cliche because I love how the camera close up can capture things that we barely see. The precision of the lense on things like wrinkled paper, or moss, or skin seems to make things more real than they are. I love how macro shots of decaying or burnt things become magical. /creepy

Also, I did a blog post about being inspired by your last blog post if you'd like to see it. http://origamigirlheroics.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/in-which-i-say-long-live-queen.html

libelula said...

So beautifil photos!! :) follow:)

Jodie said...

Thank you for the kind comment- I always forget about my tattoos until I see them on film :)
I don't care if they're clique I love macro nature photos :)
I like visiting Southend on sea at least once a season- I just live the beech and sea at all times of the year
X

Anonymous said...

These nature shots are so lovely!! I cannot wait to take photos once the leaves change colors!

Xo, Hannah

sweetsweetnoir.net

joy said...

Love these nature shots! Usually all the pictures of flowers are the ones that just bloomed but I love how you took it when the pictures are decaying, makes it more interesting and less generic :) I like visiting the local park since there are swings and they are so relaxing.

sonia // daring coco said...

Nature is awefuly pretty right! I love these kind of photos, my iPhone is filled with them LOL. I like to take my dog to a nearby lake and go for walkies. Something about it that's so calming and it virtually remains the same throughout the year albeit the change of leaves and mist that floats along the water when it get's cold enough. And I may or may not dream about Fabio there too. A lady never reveals all her secrets

;o)
LOL
SDMxx
www.daringcoco.com

LyddieGal said...

I think you do such a wonderful job with your nature macro shots, they don't look cliched at all. They look kind of magical.
Chic on the Cheap

Francesca said...

Wow, those photos are beautiful. Nature is so breath-taking and detailed, it's amazing. A lot to take in, for sure!

I love visiting the lake and lake towns near where I live. I love seeing water, and Canada far off in the distance, and hearing the small waves while getting ice cream. That's true serenity to me. :)

Happy September!
Francesca

Lily Fang said...

Oh, Ali! I absolutely adore your writing. Your diction just makes me sigh--brittle, flora, gradient, subdued, respite. Ahh, so beautiful.

Your pretty writing accompanies the pretty photos quite well. You're right--even the blossoms whose glory days have long past appear alive with the art of photography. You captured this quaint place so well--I love the gorgeous roses of two different shades.

There's something about nature that is so cathartic, isn't there? When I feel stressed, I like taking a notebook and pen and just retreating to the nearby woods.

Have a lovely week, girl!

Hélie said...

The pictures are really beuatiful!
http://youngbutambitious.blogspot.be/

Sabrina said...

Your macro pictures are gorgeous! I like taking shots like that every now and then too. It's just really great to see life close up in its details sometimes :)

Giveaway: Win a $1900 aquamarine necklace!

mochaccinoland said...

great photography dear. in where i live, the trees, plants, leaves and flowers look the same all year round. that's why i like to visit countries that actually changes colours during fall. i love fall... it's the most beautiful & romantic season of all.

xoxo
mochaccinoland.blogspot.com

Rebecca said...

Your nature pictures are gorgeous! I know what you mean about going to the same place from season to season and seeing how much things have changed! You captured nature's beauty perfectly!

Rebecca
www.winnipegstyle.ca

The Braided Bandit said...

These are gorgeous Ali! I love that first flower pictures thats both yellow and pink, so so pretty!
xo Hannah

lucia m said...

amazing pictures!

NEW POST ON MY BLOG!

WWW.AROUNDLUCIA.COM
WWW.AROUNDLUCIA.COM

Anat Koren said...

Stunning pictures! Really appreciated the quality!

http://anatkoren.blogspot.co.il/

Unknown said...

These shots are just gorgeous! I love the vibrant colors in the flower!

xx.
fashion and tea

Katie Aman said...

I agree, I love macro nature shots, cliche or not! It allows you to see all of the unique detail of that flower/stick, etc. I think macro photography is another form of art, you have to get the angles and lighting right if you want a stunning shot. These are beautiful photos! I especially love the third shot of the wilting lavender rose. I think dried flowers are some of the most beautiful too, I am obsessed with my dried wedding bouquet, haha.

jess said...

That first flower is so pretty.

FASHION TALES said...

What a lovely post Ali! Yes, there are several places that I just love to visit throughout the seasons when I can. Nature is so interesting, and fascinating in many ways. I lvoe these stunning and vivid photos. x/Madison

Unknown said...

Oooohh pretty photos, Ali! I like to frequent a park that is near my house, it's great for general exploring, clearing my head, getting away from the hustle and bustle...I also love escaping to the woods and fields where my parents live and where I grew up, it's so quiet out there, I've really grown an appreciation for it. Happy Friday, Ali!

xo, Alyssa
www.butterfliesonmars.blogspot.com

Boheme.Fille said...

I love these photos! Nature is always beautiful and surprising!

teresweetstyle said...

great photos and post honey :P:

xx