Macro & Abstract
Read MoreA moth orchid plant photographed in natural light. Orchids are predominantly tropical plants with very intricate structures. They have symbiotic relationships with various other species, mainly insects on whom they depend for pollination, and even a type of fungi which helps them process nutrients. In this image, I have tried to capture the structure of the plant.
The center of the moth orchid flower. Orchid flowers contain both male and female parts, but depend on insects such as bees and wasps for pollination. Orchids attract these insects through a combination of shapes, fragrance and nectar. I wanted to highlight complex shapes and patterns within the bloom.
A least skipper gets ready for the evening on a milkweed plant at Milwaukee's Riverside Park. Butterflies have a symbiotic relationship with plant species - the caterpillar of each species feeds only on certain species of plants. Presence of these plants is critical to the survival of the insect species.
I came across this group of avocets feeding in a Bay Area harbor late one evening. It was interesting to observe the flock feeding in a circle. One avocet would dredge the bottom bringing up invertebrates and crustaceans, and the next member would move in to feed in that spot. The steady movement of the birds and low light gave a opportunity for an abstract.
As the evening draws to a close, a flock of juvenile whooping cranes dance in a recently harvested corn field in Wisconsin. These magnificent birds have been raised by the Crane Foundation and radio tagged for tracking.. I was trying an abstract and liked the ghostly image which seems to convey the danger these cranes are in.
Bamboo trunks in a Japanese garden provide an interesting abstract. Bamboos are the fastest growing plants in the world and are found throughout South and East Asia. I took this image late one fall afternoon as the sun was setting. The soft light highlights texture of the trunks amidst the green of the trees.