Omg...can these folks shoot, or what?

Some of you may know that Gary Lewis of Phoenix Perennials in Richmond has been cajoling me for some years to teach a macro flower workshop through his nursery. Of course spring is my busiest time--weddings, gardening, portraits--so I've always said a firm no, but somehow he broke down my resolve this year.

I met with my group twice, and wow, did I luck out! They are such talented photographers. The photos here show off a magical capture from each of them. Thanks to each and every one of you for two wonderful workshop evenings...I'm sure I learned as much as I taught, and I sure admired what all of you accomplished.

We still have some people missing, but I'll add images if they come in...

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image by Bob McMorine

image by Caroline Carson

image by Clare Philips

image by Neal Boxrud

New art images

Here are some pieces I've been working on of late.

This is a composite image of a small underwater daffodil merged with the leaf lattice from last year's hydrangea, also taken underwater, using a compositing technique known as the Orton Technique after Michael Orton. It is modified because it begins with digital imagery rather than the more usual underexposed film, and because digital always offers up a different effect than would be possible using film:

This is another modified Orton technique using three underwater digital images of spring flowers:

This third image is an unmodified underwater image of a dyed blue daisy:
The fourth image was a pan made of an immature magnolia seedpod:
This last image is the hydrangea leaf lattice again, shot while being swished underwater: