Indian Village Men's Garden Club Speaking Engagement

My "Making Better Photographs in Your Garden" presentation was well received at the Indian Village Men's Garden Club meeting on April 18th.

I really enjoyed my time with an interesting and inspiring group of very dedicated gardeners who diligently care for their homes and have genuine concern for their community.

Visit the gardens on their annual Home and Garden Tour: this year on June 9, 2012. More information on the Indian Village Home and Garden Tour >>

My best reward is feedback from members - like this email I received: "It was a wonderful presentation - everyone I talked to enjoyed it – and they loved your photographs!!"

New Michigan Wildflowers Images

It is spring again and the wildflowers are starting to bloom. This is a lovely impression of early morning light revealing a double Bloodroot (Sanguneria canadensis).

This is the single form of Sanguineria canadensis with a perfect crown of pollen-rich stamens. See how the leaves wrap around the stem of the flower? (This is quite a small flower - about an inch across.)

And a beautifully-lit image of Jeffersonia diphylla (Twinleaf). I really enjoy the softly-bright quality of springtime light.

New Headshots!

Working again for Plex Systems, the goal here was to create some headshots of the development teams. Great results were had using my custom 3-light setup and a good deal of natural light from a nice bank of north-facing windows.

Riverside Custom Design Baths

If anyone knows Gene at Riverside, you'd know that he is not one to back down from a challenge - or one to say "ok, that'll do."

His pursuit of perfection shows in these baths - one home, three baths, none of them extremely large or extraordinarily lavish, but always done to a T with all the bells and whistles. And a relentless determination for excellent materials and the highest level of craftsmanship.

The photography day was a totally gray, "fer cryin' out loud, why not just go ahead and rain!" sort of day. I brought along my portable sunshine and made glorious shafts of light through the windows, plus carefully placed fill lights to brighten the shadows and exposures that balance the room lights.

Hiya Cupcake

I was a humdrum person, leading a life apart, when love flew in through my window wide - and quickened my humdrum heart.

Love in this case is a cupcake from Delight Bakery.  I have always admired their work - and now a chance to photograph it. Yep, love flew in - in the form of very chocolate cake with a most voluptuous frosting and a Ghirardelli chocolate... hiya cupcake!

New Leaf Trays and Lace Bowls for Black Cat Pottery

Cheryl has upped the ante on her new Black Cat Pottery work - beautiful lace bowls and leaf bowls - another great big step forward.

I really enjoy photographing art for artists - it is a chance to bask a little in the reflected glow of their creativity and craft - plus it is always inspirational to have some time to chat about art and art-making with one who is in the business.

We had some help this time from Dora who is always cute in every way, always talkative (no simple utterances from Dora - she speaks in words and sentences), and always there's those luxurious whiskers (whiskers?)(I wish they showed up a little better, but trust me: deluxe). See the middle photo below...

New Notable Greetings Cards

It was a busy fall season this year - so much so that I have only just finished new card sets for Notable Greetings.

A new Summer Michigan Wildflowers, a Fall Michigan Wildflowers and a new set of Orchids will all surely be favorites.

The wildflowers series would not be possible without the generous availability of my good friend Cheryl English's garden. All the wildflowers are plants in her care. Please visit blackcatpottery.com for the latest on her wonderful pottery work.

Michigan Wildflowers - Summer Collection 7

Michigan Wildflowers - Fall Collection 3

Orchids