Dogwood Blossom Variations

Dogwoods au Natural, Quincy Illinois

Dogwood au Natural © 2011 Bo Mackison

Looking at these dogwood blossoms in their natural color…

Dogwood Blossoms, Desaturated, Quincy, Illinois

Dogwood Blossoms, Desaturated © 2011 Bo Mackison

And in more muted tones…

Dogwood Flowers in Black and White, Quincy Illinois

Dogwood Flowers in Black and White © 2011 Bo Mackison

And in black and white.

Same flowers, but three different ways to view them. There are times when I love seeing the world in full, living color. Other times I prefer my world to be somewhat muted, a bit quieter. And once in a while I like the simplicity that black and white offers, a focus on the elemental shapes, fewer distractions.

Do you have a favorite? Or does your preference change depending on your mood? Do you ever use photographs like these as a focus for meditation or as a stepping stone to lose yourself in thought?

 

 

Quincy IL – Dogwood City

Dogwoods Accent the Skies

Travel down the streets in Quincy. Illinois on a spring day and you’ll see why it’s been recognized as a Tree City USA.

Pink Dogwoods

During the annual Dogwood Festival, the Dogwood trees seem to compete in their own beauty pageant. Every yard seems to sport its own tree, a mixture of creamy white blossomed trees and the more familiar pink Dogwood flowers.

The annual Dogwood Festival will be held next weekend, May 2 through 4, 2008, though I should be returned to my home in Madison by that time. I’m anxious to see what the last blast of winter did to my just-peeking-out bulbs and perennials, not to mention my own flowering trees.