IN THE FIELD: Building Your Seasonal Image Library
My library of floral photography has been growing by leaps and bounds this season due to my many visits to garden centers and greenhouses. The subject matter is so diverse in these places, it should keep me occupied for quite some time.
A big plus with photographing plants in greenhouses is the conditions are pretty constant. Temperatures are warm, although it can be a bit humid, plenty of light is available, and there is no wind to speak of. There may be a light breeze from fans used to circulate the air, but that can be dealt with easily. I just ask to move the specimen to a better location. And there are no sudden downpours to put a damper on the fun. Unless you step on a nozzle attached to a hose.
This is a photo of a dwarf azalea displayed among some foliage houseplants. Usually these are greenhouse grown, and meant to be displayed indoors as an early spring ornamental while they are blooming. It’s a shame, but most folks toss the plants after their bloom is finished.
However depending on your climate zone, if you carefully and slowly acclimate them to the outside air and temperatures, plant them in a partially shaded area and be sure they get enough water, they will often survive outdoors. And they will put on a show year after year.
Of course, that would eliminate one of your excuses to go the garden center again next year.
David Heilman 
A beautiful photo again, David. You certainly seem to have found your niche in photography, photographing flowers. Much the same way I am with my birds. 🙂 It keeps us out of the bars and off the streets, doesn’t it? 🙂
That’s funny Bob…It does keep us out of trouble for sure! You have indeed found your niche…spectacular wildlife photos. I’ve been photographing flowers for many years now…but whenever I come across a seaside spot with boats, well…
Beautiful flowers… I loved the colours so much dear David, I wished to grow them here too… Thank you, you are doing with this project. With my love, nia
Thank you Nia, they had several other colors there but the pink ones were the prettiest!
Heavens forbid we don’t have any excuses for you to go to the garden center! hehehe Lovely flowers there.
Thankfully there isn’t much that can keep me away…maybe food. But the whole time I would be eating I would be thinking about all the stuff I would be missing. In fact this morning I had to head down to the orchard for some deli stuff. And what did I do when I finished that task??? Yup, got the camera out and headed over to the garden area to shoot the annuals they have displayed. I just can’t help it!
Who needs an excuse? 🙂 Beautiful flowers! I love the color. Azaleas are one of my favorites. Wait, don’t I say that about almost every flower you photograph?
I’ve decided not to make excuses anymore…I can’t stop from going to these places anyway so why bother. ha ha. I love them too especially for the variety of colors available. I think the purples are my favorite! I think we need to put some money in the budget for a few of these for the front yard. My mom had had a bunch in the front yard where I grew up…sure was pretty!
Lovely photo, David. I like the softness of the pink color which makes the flowers appear even more delicate.
Thanks Gracie, the pink ones were the prettiest, although the whites were pretty darn nice too!
Lovely photo! You must feel like a kid in a candy store when you are at the garden center!
Thanks Fergie, you’re darn tootin’…I just love those places…there is so much to look at and oogle over. Planters, ceramic pots, plants, shrubs, trees…
Beautiful photo and beautiful flowers! Last year I was elated when I found an azalea that will grow in this area.
Thanks Montucky, I checked the USDA plant hardiness map and your area is only one zone different than ours. Actually there are quite a few hardy varieties that should do well. Plant them in a protected area from the wind…azaleas worst enemy. Filtered light is the best…under tall pines would be a good spot. Good planting!
Gorgeous colour!
Thanks Jo, I love the soft pink. There were also coral, white, red, and lavender varieties.
Very pretty pinks!
I love the double blossoms which add to the softness. I was doing some research about azaleas..I had no idea there are so many varieties…1000’s!!!
I loved the color David. Wanna take the whole bunch with me. 🙂
Thanks Nandini, I would mail them to you but I’m not so sure they would survive…how about a photo instead?
Sure, that would be great. I would so love to watch them smiling on my desktop all day long. 🙂 Thank you so much, David.
Hi Nandini, Hope you are having a great weekend! Send me an e-mail to david.heilman@dhphotosite.com and I will send you a copy!
Viewed full-screen, the center trio of blooms jumped right out into the room (as close to 3D as 2D can get).
Ya know I just looked at this full screen again and the blooms do jump of the screen…knocked me off the chair!