Seasons mean more to the nature photographer than just spring, summer, fall and winter. They mean an annual parade of insects.  Each with its own season. Birds migrate and nest….and then migrate again.  The newborn babes of the mammal world give us a renewed faith and provide great subjects as well. Autumn is peaceful, in all except color.  Then there are the tiny patterns in a sliver of pond ice.  There is nothing that the nature  photographer should celebrate  more than the coming of the flower season.  Flowers are the perfect subjects for all nature photographers.  There are more different ways to photograph a single flower than there is a grand landscape. Shrink yourself down and take a journey through colors, textures and shapes.  Observe the gentle twirl in the petal. Magic!

While you are down there on your hands and knees, twisting yourself into the position necessary to make “your own” personal statement, look around.  Flowers attract insects in search of nectar and pollen.  Bigger insects and spiders, are also looking for a meal of those little ones looking for the pollen and nectar.

Most of the non-animal macro subjects that I have found, were first seen while I was making pictures of flowers.  The world’s largest art gallery is at your feet.

When I use to travel to the west, flowers were not my priority.  Landscapes followed by wild mammals were my main purpose.  Birds were usually next and then what could be called mini-scapes. Those little micro sections of land.  My final thoughts were of flowers.  Even non-flowering trees or cactus came first.  Having said that I do not believe I ever made a trip that I did not photograph at least some flowers. I could never pass up beautiful little jewels resting at my feet. Women are often more prolific (and better) at creating flower images but I would suggest that every nature photographer make flowers a part of their portfolio.  They will teach you much about composing shapes and colors.  My personal journey in flower photography was to first create images in the style that made me most comfortable, and then very slowly over the years, develop new ways of seeing them.

Happy spring!