A couple of years ago I purchased a macro lens for my Canon DSLR and it changed my world completely. I was able to see the world with a whole new perspective. Thanks technology! 😁  I have realized that one cannot truly appreciate the beauty of art -- or in this case, nature -- without admiring the finer details in life. In the first photo above I used my 300mm macro lens to capture the tiniest details of the Passiflora incarnata or better known as the "Purple Passion Flower." Whether it is painting a portrait of someone, using a charcoal to draw a still life, or even just photographing an object, all of it is made up of two simple elements: shapes and shadows. The world around us, even the face that stares back at you in the mirror, is all composed of shapes and shadows. This is how I see the world. Many may view a flower as something pretty with symmetrical petals surrounding the pistil, however, I see something more. I see geometric shapes, vibrant colors blending perfectly together, shadows and highlights contrasting with a background, all forming a beautiful creation we can all appreciate. This is the approach I take when framing my photos of flowers as demonstrated in this post. 

In the four photos above, I have captured the details from the Passiflora racemosa (aka the "Red Passion Flower") all with the help of my trusty macro lens. Analyze the photos above and try to notice the elements I mentioned before: shapes and shadows. Don't just view these as photos of flowers. Dissect the image. Examine the geometry of the stigma protruding from the sepals. Appreciate the complementary colors of red against the green background. Granted, you may still achieve the same dramatic result in black and white photography, but I always felt that color brings out the best in life in a more dynamic approach.

This flower typically blooms in the fall and summer months and butterflies are exceptionally attracted to it when in full bloom. Once the winter months are over, and Spring is in the air, why not visit your local botanical garden? Bring your camera along, or even just your phone. Take a moment to not just smell the flowers, but appreciate the intricate creation that we have all around us. Many of these photos were taken during my exploration at Butterfly World in Davie, FL. They have so many beautiful flowers in addition to butterflies so check them out if you are ever in the area.

I wanted to end this post on a fun note. In addition to seeing the world through shapes and shadows, don't be afraid to use your imagination. Yes, I know. You probably buried that away back when you were a kid. Well, it's time to dig it out! All those cartoons you used to watch on Saturday mornings, or your numerous hours of playing video games like MarioKart, put it to good use. Check out the photos below of Milkweed flowers and let your imagination run a little wild. What do you see? Do you see a face? Does it remind you of anyone or anything from a fond memory? Leave a comment below and tell me what you see. Until the next time!