Closeup Learning Curve

Last week Spencer and I went to the Middle of Nowhere, North Carolina to visit her great-grandparents for a few days.  It was the perfect time to go because the flowers were at their peak and everything was blooming and gorgeous.  I took the opportunity to get in some practice with my new macro lens. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the learning curve is a little bit more steep than I thought it was going to be.  It took me awhile, and a few hundred pictures, before I started to get anything that I actually liked.  I still have a lot to learn, but here are some of my favorites.  I would love to hear any tips from those of you love macro photography!

The second picture is a closeup of the flower in the first one.  See that yellow stuff?  It's pollen!  Just looking at it makes my nose start to itch!

Scarlett Poppy Art

I planted my poppy seeds (for flowers) back in April. They finally bloomed last week. For months now I thought I did something wrong, or my seeds were defective, or I was defective at planting. But then this magnificent bloom appeared out of nowhere and I was so happy. This is a Scarlett Poppy, although it's not red, so I'm not 100% sure why that's her name. (And yes, it's a girl!)

Here Comes the Maid of Honor

This week on Show Us How You Live over at Kelly's Korner, the topic du jour is Bridal Parties and Flowers. I was the maid of honor in my best Sara's wedding, which was shortly after I graduated college. It was The Event of the year- 12 months of non-stop planning, 4 showers, a week of pre-wedding festivities, 300 people in attendance, 4 musical soloists - including a song written for them, and a toast given by yours truly (in front of those 300 people!). It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to, with every single detail meticulously planned by Sara.

This is me walking down the aisle. The color of my dress was Tiffany Box Blue- no kidding!

The roses look red, but they were a deep magenta.

I'm not naked, the picture just cuts out my dress. Can you tell how excited I was for them? As MOH, it was my job to keep the couple happy and iron out their kinks during the previous 12 months. This is my thinking to myself "job well done, Katie!" (And you look beautiful, Sara!)

All of the bridesmaids had different dresses in the same color.

And this is the happy couple, with Sara in the most beautiful gown I've ever seen.

___

So if and when I ever do get married, I like this bridesmaid dress. In the picture it looks floor length, and I would want it to be tea length, but I think it's simple and elegant.

For the flowers, I want a bouquet of ranunculus and a centerpiece of peonies. I think both of these displays are lovely.
And that's the end of my wedding experience history and future. Can't wait to see every else's fabulous dresses and flowers!

**See I Have a Child. The Jig is Up for further wedding explanation**

So Maybe My Thumb is Light Green

When I began on my flower endeavor, I wasn't expecting all that much. But lo and behold, they're doing okay! Everyday I go and "commune" with them, give them water, food, and attention. It's taken a lot, but Spencer now knows not to pick the "fowee."