Filling the Frame with Flowers and Leaves

We all have a style of photography, whether or not we recognise it ourselves. My interest in colours and patterns pre-dates my love of taking pictures and I like to look up close, probably because my long-distance vision leaves something to be desired.

So Anne’s challenge – Filling the Frame – is a natural one for me, perhaps too much so. Over the years, a couple of people whose opinions I respect have suggested that my photography would improve if I stepped back a bit and showed more of the scene.

Perhaps, but I’m not anticipating awards for photography. I take pictures to please myself, knowing I can share some of my favourites here with others who take photographs for the love of it and who will cut me some slack.

In some pictures, I’m aiming towards a flat surface decoration effect, such as you might see on wallpapers or fabrics.

Often I’m trying to capture something charming that will otherwise slip away.

At flower shows, we are often being invited to admire details on new plants or old favourites.

Variegated leaves…

subtle or startling colour combinations…

plants in tip-top condition with perfect leaves and flowers. It only seems right to get up close.

My eye can be drawn more to moods and harmonies in the colours than to the notional subject of the picture.

My portrait of Monarda ‘Berry Taffy’ is unlike any other I’ve seen online – and I checked. (I google images of flowers before I post them under their names as I would rather not add to the misinformation online where I can easily avoid it.)

Here, the younger, pale green leaf bracts with their delicate red stripe and the mounded buds add their patterns to the open flowers and the darker, more mature leaves.

My instinct to fill the frame does come at a cost, mainly paid by the viewer. I remember seeing an iron bedstead covered with bedding plants at this year’s Southport Flower Show, but if I hadn’t mentioned that,  it’s not easy to make out from the crop.

I’ll leave you with a handful of roses, as they are the subject I most often return to:

Shared for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge: Filling the Frame. Thanks for hosting, Anne!