With the challenge from Anne Sandler whose blog Slow Shutter Speed features macro shots of flowers with welcome tips for improving any close-up shots. So, like Anne, I, too, am sharing flowers and a pretty seashell, but ending with something I love to get close to: good food!
Flowers in the rain, like the tender, just-barely-open hosta flower pictured above and this giant hosta leaf are always welcome sights. And, at the first sign of water droplets, I rush out to my front yard, camera in hand, to catch the details.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you may have noticed my love of white flowers. Southern Magnolias in my subdivision are ancient and enormous, and the big-enough-to-climb-on branches produce magnificent blooms every May. I like to move in close so I can see the centers — before they bloom and then after — as if I’m privy to a secret show.
Seashells, too, have great appeal, especially if the details reveal nature’s order and beauty.

But perhaps some of my most fun “small world” encounters occur in restaurants. Both my husband and I enjoy fine dining, especially when a fabulous presentation at the table rivals the creative preparation of fresh ingredients in the kitchen. Joseph Lenn, owner of JC Holdway in Knoxville and a James Beard award-winning chef, knows the art of cooking. But equally important to him is making sure each dining experience is a delight for the senses. Even my iPhone shows off Lenn’s creations pretty well since the right amount of light came streaming through his city windows the afternoon we most recently dined out.



JC Holdway
This spring, I’ll be taking Anne Sandler‘s suggestions to improve my macro shots. And hopefully, when the Covid-19 quarantine has been lifted, we’ll tour gardens, eat in restaurants, and take more trips — looking for the little things.

Be sure to check out the other posts on this Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #130 so you, too, can pick up some tips and enjoy the captures of a Small World.
Travel small,
Rusha & Bert
pam@ichoosethis
That sea biscuit is amazing!! And love Magnolias – very nice 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I, too, love the sea biscuit. Something so humble yet so exquisite!
rajkkhoja
Wow, Distant photos shoot. Decilougs food disses. Wonder place.
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much for taking a look. I like macro photography, but I’m new at it.
Leya
Beautiful – and food photos – I am not good at that, but yours are fab. Love the magnolias especially!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I have many food photos which aren’t good. In fact, based upon my photos, I would never patronize the restaurants. There was just something wonderful about the light in the room here that showed off the lovely creations from the kitchen staff. And those magnolias . . . oh, my. Every spring I take more pictures even though I have soooo many. Hope your weekend is a good one.
Wandering Dawgs
All of these are wonderful! My favorites are the ones of the Magnolia. Beautiful!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much! I’ve been leaning closer each spring to the low branches so I can look down deep inside those magnolias. It really is like a secret garden!
JohnRH
Wow. Great shots! Up close and personal. (The food is making me hungry!)
Oh, the Places We See
The food makes me long for another trip to that restaurant. I’m saving up!!
Tina Schell
Some wonderful close-ups Rusha – I especially like your nature shots. The sand dollar looks to be one I’m unfamiliar with because of the dome shape. Is that an optical illusion or is it really shaped like that? I’m not much for food photography but those dishes sure look yummy!!
Oh, the Places We See
I don’t usually do well with food photography, but the light in the room helped. That seashell is dome shaped. It’s one I bought years ago, but I hadn’t looked at it closely. Nature really is interesting!! Hope all is well in Kiawah!
WanderingCanadians
Nice shots, I especially love the pictures with the water droplets. Looks beautiful. And oh wow does all that food look delicious. I can’t remember the last time I ate at a restaurant.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the nice comments. We, too, have eaten at very few restaurants. This one is owned by one of our son’s childhood friends. We went to support him, but it doesn’t take much encouragement to fir us to dine there. It’s always delicious and artsy!!
Toonsarah
The raindrops on the hosta are beautiful and I especially love your sand dollar shot, but oh that meal looks delicious! Eating out is one of the things I most miss during lockdowns – I can’t wait to dine out again once restrictions are lifted once more 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
I’m with you. We miss dining out, even for a casual meal. Someday. . .
cindy knoke
Love the variety and textures!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Cindy. It is fun getting close to the subjects!
Anne Sandler
What a wonderful small world you’ve captured Rusha. Amazing floral, shell and food images. I want some of that cheese cake! Thanks for joining in on this challenge!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for your suggestions on macro photography! I need warmer weather and flower buds. . . Soon!
Carolyn Pearre
Love this post–beautiful nature pics finished off with favorite foods from JCH!
Oh, the Places We See
If you haven’t eaten at at JCH, come to Knoxville, and we’ll treat!!! It’s so good.
Teresa
Lovely shots. And you are right those close up of food makes my mouth water.
Oh, the Places We See
It was a delightful meal, for sure. But all the ones we’ve had there are excellent!