Brilliant red canna lilies splash color into my backyard patio.
IN THE THREE MONTHS I couldn’t use my Canon DSLR EOS 20-D this summer because of a broken right shoulder, I feared I would lose my photography skills. But I didn’t. This week, with my muscle strength returning and weight restrictions eased, I did my first photo shoot using my 2.5 pound (with a short lens) Canon.
I experienced joy, pure joy, picking up my DSLR and focusing on subjects in glorious light. I started in my backyard, easing myself into the comfortable familiarity of pursuing my passion. I felt giddy with excitement as I photographed a monarch caterpillar clinging to a leaf near milkweeds that free-range seeded.
Coleus
A segment of a canna leaf.
I moved to potted plants and blooming flowers and garden perennials.
And then I noticed, as I roamed about seeking photo ops, a mini chrysalis dangling from the side of the garage and camouflaged against the green siding. I moved in close, delighting in my discovery.
Coleus
Canna lily seed pods
Polka dot plant leaves up close.
As I shot more frames, trying different angles, new perspectives, I remembered just how much I love this art. I seek interesting ways to present what I photograph. I seek light that will enhance an image. I consider textures and color and backdrops and distance. I challenge myself to think and photograph outside and beyond the norm.
Coleus leaf close-up
All of my skills, retained in my rote memory, returned. And so did the passion, full-blown and beautiful and aching to be released.
Hibiscus acetosella soar in pots on my patio.
It’s good to be back, camera in hand.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
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