Marilyn Botta Photography

Orange Lilies and Apples

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I found an orange wax candle, and a peach and cream colored ceramic vase while looking for items to use in my still life. The vase was matched with some gorgeous orange lilies which offset the orange in the candle. Two red apples were placed at the base of the candle holder, and added a gray stone vase with little baby yellow carnations was added. The entire composition was offset by a beautiful texture I added as a background. There is a lovely contrast between the rustic vases and the vibrant colors of the flowers.

Baby Elephant in Wonderland

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I came upon a baby Lenox elephant while looking for inspiration at Goodwill. I wanted to create a serene scene by using soft muted colors of green, blue and beige hues.I added two candles of green and beige, matching the color scheme. Light yellow/white carnations, in a green glass vase, added to the serene and peaceful atmosphere. In addition, I added some pretty rocks surrounding the elephant. It is abstract, something one would not normally find in nature, but that is my interpretation. I enjoy placing objects that don’t go together in a beautiful cohesive scene. It is amazing how that works to create a lovely and unusual fantasy still life.

Yellow Sunflowers

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I always loved sunflowers; all different sizes. The blooms, bright yellow, are so beautiful but the backside of the flower is exquisite. It is just as expressive and lovely as the front. I decided to concentrate on doing a close up. I had not used my macro lens lately, but I found the closer I zeroed into the lush, complex, green petals of the backside, the more excited I got. I always think an image, especially a sunflower, is so much more dramatic when moving as close as possible and photographing just a portion of the flower. I think this vivid picture was exactly what I had envisioned.

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.

Peruvian Lilies and Fruit Still Lifes

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I did some Still Lifes of Peruvian Lilies (aka Alstroemeria)–orange and yellow. I photographed these gorgeous flowers using many different backgrounds and vases; some using textures taken against a white background and some against a black backdrop. I used oranges, pears, and grapes. The photos are similar but different. I love the textures but also the ones with the black background–it is a matter of personal preference. They would look beautiful hanging on anyone’s wall, especially on a canvas. Any of these can be converted to a canvas. Enjoy!

 

 

Sunflower Field

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The Chicks that Click photography group went on a photo shoot to a sunflower field owned by one of the ladies. I tried out some of what we learned in our group: shoot in manual, choose F22, and focus 3/4 of the way in to get the entire image from front to the back in focus. The close up shots of the flowers were usually in Aperture Priority at a wide open F stop to blur the background. It was a good learning experience.

Flowers in my Studio

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I have been experimenting with using studio lights to take pictures of flowers. Here are some Mother’s day flowers as well as some I bought. I like the effect.

Flowers and Trees

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Flowers and trees taken at Reed Creek and Phinizy Swamps, and my own backyard. More to come. The first tulip photo was taken with a macro lens. I am taking a Macro class shortly and you will be the recipient of my newfound knowledge.

Marilyn Botta is a writer, and amateur photographer. She recently became interested in digital photography and is constantly perfecting her craft. Please visit her Blog: https://awomanspeaksout.com for some interesting commentary about life.