I am mostly self-taught in my photography skills, but learning own my own can be a little lonely.  Ready for the companionship of friends who are passionate about photography, I recently began taking a flower photography class at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia.  The instructor, famous wildlife and environmental photographer Lynda Richardson, is a creative and insightful teacher.  Her kind spirit and willingness to share her expertise are treasured gifts.  I am enjoying learning about and photographing native Virginia plants.  

The yellow pitcher plant, Sarracenia flava, is a carnivorous plant.  In the spring, the plant produces large yellow flowers with 5-fold symmetry.  The different stages of this plant are fascinating - the buds, the flowers, and the pitchers.

 

Conservatory     Pitcher Plant Blossom

Pitcher plant flower     Pitcher plants


Check out the book by Amy Hatkoff, The Inner World of Farm Animals. I picked up this book because I was drawn to the beautiful and endearing photos of farm animals.  I was intrigued to learn that farm animals are absolutely full of personality and really very intelligent.  I spent a warm spring afternoon at Miller Farms in western Spotsylvania hanging out with the chickens.  Turns out they are very social and form strong friendships - with other chickens and with photo gals like me, too.   

 

Henny PennyHappy Hens

Pretty Ladytwo hens stepping out

 


Yet rich as morn of many hue
When flashing clouds through darkness strike,
The tulip's petals shine in dew
All beautiful, yet none alike.

James Montgomery

dewy tulip


Ballet Studio

In the ballet studio
my heart soars with passion
my mind is free, and I can let go.

In the ballet studio,
my mistakes are only steps
to practice and train, helping me grow.

In the ballet studio,
I am safe as at home
taught with love, I have come to know.

This place is my sanctuary
where music and dance become extraordinary.

Donna Hopkins