Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Devices Photo Challenge: Nature (and Spring Pansies)

06 April 2015

Lens:

1. Pansy; Copyright © 2015 Sally W. Donatello All Rights Reserved/Lens and Pens by Sally

2. Pansy; Copyright © 2015 Sally W. Donatello All Rights Reserved/Lens and Pens by Sally

3. Pansy; Copyright © 2015 Sally W. Donatello All Rights Reserved/Lens and Pens by Sally

Let me know which you prefer and why. Click onto each image to enlarge.

Pens:

Spring 2015 is a constant tease. She keeps tossing small gestures that are all too alluring. Winter seems to have faded and this slow dance into one of nature’s most exhilarating seasons makes each sign a step toward its reality.

But I’m exercising caution, but not too too much. Days seem to vacillate between the tail of winter and the nose of spring.

I bought tiny pots of pansies, whose edges are slightly scalloped, whose configuration sways in today’s high winds. These floral dainties are an early signal of the season ahead. They are an adaptable species, and I’m trying to mimic this quality.

Everyone is longing for warm weather and sunny days, and I believe this sidetrackes our attention. In this state of emotional distraction we just might miss small interactions: Those slight moderations gliding toward us.

In actuality there were years that brought the heat of summer before spring even had a chance to please us. So I’m settling into the soft glacial steps of this year’s change over.

Those small pots of pansies are precisely what I need. Each bloom is gently enticing with its reddish-purple to pink to deeply pink variations. While they love cool weather, once I plant them, they’ll keep producing through much of the summer. Soon I’ll buy more and these dainties will give much more than their exuberant disposition and visual appeal.

As they grow, I’ll use the petals as an edible ingredient in my daily salads. Their relatives, which will be appearing later, the viola and violet also are perfect additions to seasonal greens.

These gems are one of numerous beginnings of Mother Nature’s rejuvenation and revitalization of the landscape. And I’m ready to participate as a gardener and a voyeur.

Tip of the Week: A few months ago I subscribed to the iPhone Photography School’s e-mail tips, which are created by iPhoneographer Emil Pakarklis. They come weekly and give short and to the point suggestions about iPhoneography. Mostly, the tips are applicable to anyone using a Smartphone as their lens, or photography in general. Check the Website (here) of the school, which offers tutorials, interviews, contests, and news & updates. You can scroll down the Homepage and on the right side, you can sign up for the e-mail tips. Here is an example of a tip (click here) that was posted by Kristen Radden who shared ten iPhone photography habits that always keep her challenged to shoot more: ideas that may be new to you or reminders.

View other entries about this week’s challenge:

http://steve-says.net/2015/04/06/the-loch-the-castle-the-monster/

https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/phoneography-challenge-nature-yellow/

http://nadinetomlinson.com/2015/04/06/nature-phoneography-challenge-clouds/

https://streetsofsfphotos.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/striped-green-tree-pretty-please/

http://blogagaini.com/2015/04/06/phoneography-nature/

https://piecesofstarlight.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/phoneography-challenge-the-nature-of-spring/

http://helpalongthepath.com/2015/04/06/violet-carpet-phoneography-and-non-slr-digital-devices-photo-challenge/

https://decocraftsdigicrafts.wordpress.com/2015/04/07/phoneography-challenge-nature-6/

http://luciledegodoy.com/2015/04/06/phoneography-and-non-slr-digital-devices-photo-challenge-11/

https://angelinem.wordpress.com/2015/04/06/phoneography-challenge-the-nature-of-the-earth/

https://patchworkponderings.wordpress.com/2015/04/07/phoneography-challenge-nature-peek-of-spring/

https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2015/04/07/phoneography-nature/

http://thoughtstalesandwhatnot.com/2015/04/07/phoneography-challenge-reflection-on-still-waters/

https://completelydisappear.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/the-deep-blue/

https://zimmerbitch.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/on-cultural-imagery-and-scary-dreams/

https://chasinglifeandfindingdreams.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/little-things-hurt-or-make-all-the-difference/

https://lumar1298.wordpress.com/2015/04/10/phoneography-and-non-slr-digital-devices-photo-challenge-pansies/

http://austindetails.me/2015/04/08/like-about-photography/

Note:

As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog.

If you’d like to join the Photo Challenge, please click here for details. If you have any questions, please contact me. Below is a reminder of the monthly schedule with themes for upcoming Photo Challenges:

1st Monday: Nature.

2nd Monday: Macro.

3rd Monday: Black and White.

4th Monday Challenger’s Choice (Pick One: Abstraction, Animals, Architecture, Food Photography, Night Photography, Objects, Portraiture, Still Life, Street Photography, and Travel).

5th Monday: Editing and Processing with Various Apps Using Themes from the Fourth Week.

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