Don’t get upset with me. It’s not what you think. I’m all for Tina’s interesting challenge this week called “Odds and Ends.” It’s just that I’ve been totally self-absorbed in something else — something I’ve written about before. Something that makes me grab my camera and head outside my back door several times during several days EVERY spring: the much-anticipated spring blooms on our White Star White Magnolia tree.
Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.
Ellis Peters
Say what you wish, but I’m totally into this tree. First, because I love all stages of the tender, short-lived delicate blossoms. But second, because I get to practice photography.
I’m not much of a technical photographer. I just love snapping pictures. But this year, I’ve tried to use Manual settings only, adjusting the light and focus to yield better photos.
Beginning with the little buds, I focused sometimes on the fuzzy gray calyx.
And sometimes it was the blush at the stem end of each petal.
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.
Algernon Charles Swinburne
But sometimes on the second or third day of visiting these blossoms, I’m able to stand on tip-toe and look directly into their open “faces.” I’m not sure if this is odds or ends, but it’s a treat to see the various poses. Some flowers look upward, some sideways.
In a way, I feel I’m intruding on their privacy by getting into their faces! (Now that’s odd, for sure.)
Sometimes, I don’t just look for the positions of these flowers. I also look for variations in light. If I face my screened porch, the dark background contrasts with the creamy petals
Sometimes, blue sky forms the backdrop that enhances the simplicity of the blooms.
In many ways, there aren’t any “bad” pictures of these lovely gifts from Mother Nature.
Even in inclement weather, a light spring rain adds another dimension.
Blossoms fold over on themselves for protection, providing another layer of secrecy from nosy photographers like me.
A flower blossoms for its own joy.
Oscar Wilde
So, let me know how you like these odds and ends, and then forgive me for stretching the topic. After all, if you ask my husband what I’ve been doing for the past few days, he’d tell you that I’ve been pretty useless. I just reply that I’m doing important work: taking photos of our White Star White Magnolia!
Want to see how others have interpreted this week’s challenge of Odds and Ends? Head to Tina’s post for her wonderfully eclectic photos and entries by many others.
And then, move in closer to view the flowers you love. The reward will be worth it.
Travel in your garden sometime,
Rusha and Bert
anotherday2paradise
Your captures are really fascinating, Rusha. I enjoyed your narrative too. Made me smile. 😀
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks. I miss those blooms already.
I. J. Khanewala
I don’t think they are simple flowers at all, and your lovely photos are proof enough of that. I like the way the framing of the flower against the sky reveals the pink in the petals
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks soooo much. It was a pleasure to share these. Happy spring!
Pat
I love your photographs, and totally forgive you for being a bit of a renegade with the “assignment.” I have to confess I never quite follow the rules. And I know the fun of taking time every so often to practice technical skills because I worry that I can’t be a “photographer” without know how to change/use different setting. Now I need to get onto my post that doesn’t quite follow the rules of this challenge. LOL
Oh, the Places We See
Some weeks I have more time than others to work on my craft. But a lot of time I just wing it. The beauty of being retired. I guess!!
Amy
Ahh… White Magnolia! They are so beautifully captured, Rusha. Yes. a light spring rain adds another dimension, love it.
I appreciate how you took these photos from different angles. The details are special.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. Wish you could have seen on tiptoe trying to get into the faces of some of them! Always appreciate your comments.
WanderingCanadians
These are such lovely pictures that showcase the journey of a magnolia bud transforming into a blossom. We still have a bit of snow here in Ontario, but there are signs of spring in the air.
Oh, the Places We See
Actually, we’re getting snow this Saturday!!!! No more blooms after that!!
WanderingCanadians
Bummer. Enjoy them while you can.
Oh, the Places We See
Will do. Forecast this weekend: snow!!! That ought to put an end to these blossoms!!!
Leya
So beautiful, Rusha! You have captured all stages delicately. I have this tree too in my garden, but unfortunately it seldom manages to keep its blooms for more than two days. I loved seeing yours – and long for mine to come. How great you could enjoy it for so many days – here the temperature goes down too low at nightfall, and the flowers go black. but that’s the way with all beauty – short lived.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right, Leya. These blooms have a short life, so I take as many photos as I can while they’re here. We’re saying goodbye to them this week.
Leya
I am waiting and hoping for mine to open safely and maybe stay for some days.
Oh, the Places We See
What fun to anticipate flowers blooming! I love it!
maristravels
I see what you mean and you’ve certainly done justice to your magnolia tree in these images.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. It was worth the wait and the time spent staring at them!!!
Toonsarah
I love these, so very beautiful! You’ve done a fantastic job of capturing their delicate beauty. I especially like the shots with raindrops and those with the darker background. And good for you trying to get to grips with the manual settings! I do so occasionally but mostly I’m a bit too lazy or too impatient 🙄
Oh, the Places We See
I’m struggling with learning how to use Manual setting. But it does help with lighting and focus. I’m now finding I can’t hold the camera as still as I used to. May have to get a tripod!!!
dawnkinster
Simply beautiful! You must be in a warmer place than us, as we still have snow. I remember when I graduated my masters program in 2008, walking out of my last exam I wandered the campus, sort of as a goodbye, and there were magnolias similar to this in bloom. So whenever I see these blossoms I always think of the relief I felt walking in the warm spring air that afternoon. Thanks for the good memory.
Oh, the Places We See
Where did you go to college?
Nancy Stanley
Your photographs are beautiful! I have a Star Magnolia in my view also and it is putting on a show! Plus a heavenly scent. . .🤍
Anne Sandler
Beautiful blossoms Rusha! I’m so glad you enjoyed photographing them and cherishing them from bud to flower. Wonderful photography.
Teresa
I agree with you that there are no bad captures in this ones, Rusha! I especially love the ones with raindrops!
Tina Schell
These are lovely Rusha – I especially liked the wet blossoms. I feel the same way about our magnolia blossoms here in SC – so ephemeral and so beautiful no matter their phase. Even when they brown and fall to the ground they’re beautiful. As for meeting the theme, that’s the beauty of odds and ends – ANYTHING works 😊. Thanks for joining us.
Oh, the Places We See
Glad I fit in. It’s truly the only thing I’ve done for about 3 days. I’m hoping to print and hang some of these. Good challenge this week!
Sue
Some great odds and ends!
kzmcb
Thank you for sharing your love affair.
Oh, the Places We See
I should have used that term. So appropriate!
Kaylene Yee
Beautiful pictures! Yes, we all need to “ travel in our/a garden!!” And appreciate to wonders of nature, especially in blooming flowers! Thank you for sharing!
Oh, the Places We See
Great to hear from you!!!
Alison
Excellent photos, you’ve captured every aspect
I’m not sure I have the patience for manual settings! I do play around editing though
Oh, the Places We See
I have a lot to learn!!!
Alison
🙂
Bridgette
These are stunning. I really like the textures you’ve captured and the different lighting. I’ve not been brave enough to experiment with manual settings, but you make me want to learn faster! These are all so inspiring.
Oh, the Places We See
I’m not great but having fun learning!