In keeping with the vintage theme, I decided to rest two film cameras (Canon and Minolta) on some old photo albums and newspapers. I had these albums tucked away in my closet. I recently acquired a candle holder and candle at a consignment shop. I decided it belonged in this image. In creating this composition, I tried to convey the beauty of these treasures that took such beautiful pictures in the past, but can still be used. A fresh green apple sitting in the front adds a pop of color to the arrangement.
Vintage Cameras
I always wished I had not sold my old Nikon FM 2 film camera. At the time it was considered one of the fastest SLRs. When I upgraded to digital, I decided I didn’t need it anymore. But when I started doing still life photography, I thought that my antique camera would make a good subject. But, recently a friend had some old camera equipment used by his father packed away in a closet. He was doing housecleaning and came upon a box of two cameras–a Canon and a Minolta, plus numerous lenses. He asked if I wanted it and I said yes because I simply wanted to photograph these treasures.
Ruth’s Vase and Green Apples
I went to visit my friend at Brandon Wilde a few weeks ago. I had admired a vase she had on her desk and thought nothing of it. But the next time I went, she insisted she wanted me to have it. I thought it only fitting that I use this beauty in a picture. I had some beautiful lavender lilies so I added them to this porcelain vase with a southwestern motif. I felt that the green in the Granny Smith apples would offset the vase’s design. I photographed this scene against a black background for dramatic effect. I felt the red candle holder and flame would enhance the composition. It was a labor of love for my wonderful friend.
Boots, Lilies, and Skull
I had these old brown boots in my closet that I had not worn in a while. I wanted to use them in a photo, but decided to add a few items. Why not use the boots as vases? I absolutely love lilies, especially the gorgeous pink and purple ones, so I placed them into the boots. I felt the green stems and pink blooms would offset the brown in these boots. I decided to use a red candle holder and a skull. One would think that the elements I chose for this image would not work if taken by themselves. But together, the contrasting colors, shapes, and subjects form a pleasing, distinctive, yet unusual composition that somehow pleases me. For dramatic effect, I chose to photograph this creation in my studio against a black background.
Deep Red Rose
I have always loved roses. There are so many varieties and colors of roses, but to me, the most beautiful is the red rose. I envisioned a deep red rose with water droplets on the petals. I decided that a close up of the rose would reveal the mystical beauty of this gorgeous flower. I then spritzed the flower with water droplets, which clung to the delicate petals. I chose to photograph this spectacular beauty in a dark setting, thus bringing out the red color. It is really such a rather simple photo of a flower, but the deep red against a dark background made for a rather dramatic effect and enhanced the elegance of this exquisite flower.
Phinizy Swamp
I love going to Phinizy Swamp in the late afternoon when shadows are more prominent. There is something so beautiful about how the bridges curve around under the cypress trees. The day I went there the sky was a deep blue with puffy clouds emitting sunlight giving it a heavenly feel. It is so amazing that a swamp can be so alluring and almost dream-like. I have wonderful memories of visiting this magical picturesque oasis in the middle of a busy world. The peacefulness is almost hard to explain unless you’re there.
Jersey Shore
This picture was taken on an unusually warm May day. As you know, May can be a fickle month in New Jersey, where one day it is warm and next it is very chilly. On this day, it was close to 90, which was very unusual. But I took advantage of it by capturing many beach and boardwalk images. This picture shows the coaster and wooden pier alongside a lone man with a knapsack walking the beach. In my mind, he seemed homeless, as if his knapsack held his possessions and clothes. I have no idea what was in his mind, but the scene left me with a lonely feeling.
Trumpet, Music, and Ice
I just love the look of a trumpet–so shiny and sleek. In planning this composition I envisioned a lonely musician, having just taken his instrument out of the case, and fixing himself a hard drink to get him through the evening. I tried to elicit the jazz world with the contrasts of the gold of the trumpet, the black case, the ice in the drink, and black background. I feel by incorporating these elements, I have captured the mood of this scene.
Orange Lilies, Pumpkins, and Candle
I love everything about the Fall–from the beginnings of cool crisp days, to even the end of daylight savings time. I love the colorful Autumn leaves. I decided to incorporate all the elements of this season into these images. Pumpkins are a big part of the season. I incorporated some lovely orange lilies to match the pumpkins. I added some green grapes to a green ceramic vase, as well as an upside down goblet with a white candle and flame. You can see more of my work on: marilyn-botta.pixels.com.
Hospice Photos at Home
I was asked to do some hospice photos of a lovely lady in her home. She had just turned 90 recently and it was indeed hard to believe because she had such beautiful skin, no wrinkles, or other signs of aging one would see at 90. Her niece was her caregiver and had the same name. The day outside was absolutely perfect, warm and sunny. We started out in her bedroom where she was getting her hair fixed for the occasion. I then began to shoot and her smile was gorgeous. She also had two professional caregivers who were so gracious and allowed me to capture the genuine love they had for her. I did not use flash inside but used the natural light. I turned some into black and white as well. The whole time I was shooting, she was so cooperative and smiling. This was a lovely experience and I hope I brought some joy to the family and thank them for permitting me to do this photo shoot.
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