Marilyn Botta Photography

Pine Cones

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Where I live, there are many pine trees. I always see the standard pine cones all over the grass and wooded areas, but I never knew what they look like before they mature. I was out walking when I noticed these interesting growths on the pine trees and I wasn’t sure what they were. They were skinny and some very long, so I did a search and found out that these interesting yellow and green cylindrical growths were indeed baby pine cones. I came back with my camera and macro lens and took many shots. The wind was whipping the tree around but I managed to get a few good images.

Since the hurricane in September in Augusta, GA, there are so many downed pine trees. These have mature pine cones–the kind I am familiar with. The second picture is a macro shot of one of these beauties.

 

Crepe Myrtle Buds

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I came out last Sunday to go walking and I just couldn’t resist going back into the house and getting my camera which already had a macro lens. It had rained the night before, so the buds were so new and sparkling, ready to become blooms. It was a beautiful morning and the sun was just beginning to shine through the foliage. The bright natural light enhances the the vibrant color and detail of the buds.

Sunlit Bridge at Phinizy Swamp

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I visited Phinizy Swamp in Augusta, GA, last week. It is a beautiful nature preserve and wetlands. Although it is very lush in the Summer, I still managed to find some gorgeous scenery. It is so peaceful and tranquil along the footbridge, where Spanish moss and lush green trees grow on either side of the bridge. The blue sky was a lovely contrast to the green foliage. The sunlight casts a pattern of shadows on the pathway, enhancing the natural serenity of the scene.

 

Still Lifes with Blue Vase

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I recently purchased a pretty blue vase at Goodwill. Someone discarded it but I picked it up and decided to use it for some studio still life photos with beautiful flowers. Someone else’s trash can become someone’s treasure. Here are four images using the blue vase, some similar, yet different. I decided to use lemons and yellow lilies in a wicker basket, some I used purple poms and oranges, in a glass beaker, as well as grapes. I used black backgrounds on some and one I added a texture.