A Dahlia with Heart

Macro-photoraph of Dahlia at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin

A Dahlia with Heart © 2010 Bo Mackison

Continuing the photo series of the dahlia called ‘Esther’, photographed at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin. AMazing how many personalities a single flower can exhibit – rather like their human counterparts.

Sunlit Dahlia Bud

Dahlia Bud at Olbrich Gardens in Madison Wisconsin

Sunlit Dahlia Bud © 2010 Bo Mackison

Just as the sun was setting, the light cast soft golden tones on this single Dahlia bud. Photographed on my third trip to Olbrich Gardens in the past three days.  Soon they may put me to work there!

On the Ground Looking Up

Dahlia 'Esther'

On the Ground Looking Up © 2010 Bo Mackison

Another view of the ‘Esther’ dahlia, this time from the ground, looking into the dahlia foliage. Photographed at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Dahlia called ‘Esther’

'Esther' Dahlia at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison Wisconsin

A Dahlia Called 'Esther' © 2010 Bo Mackison

What a great morning! Sherpa and I spent several hours this morning at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the east side of Madison. The place was really busy: there is a temporary exhibit called Blooming Butterflies in the Bolz Conservatory. We didn’t visit the butterflies this morning – I can do that on a thunderstorm-y day – but if you are in the area, I highly recommend checking out this special show.

We had a great morning in the outdoor gardens. Even though we were out early, these gardens don’t open until 8 a.m., so we brought the giant diffuser along with all the other gear. It folds into a small package when not in use, but fully opened it is 36″ in diameter. I had a very enthusiastic 12 year old ask me if it was a Frisbee! I told him “no, but as light as it is, it would fly a long way.” I’d hate to chase it if it was picked up by a gust of wind, but my new friend would have enjoyed the chase. I did decline when he asked if I’d like to give it a toss.

I think the favorite flower of the morning was this dahlia, properly named ‘Esther’ and really showing off her bright colors. I photographed the dahlias in many poses, but do like this particular dahlia, not quite fully open, but strikingly beautiful in her youth.

Sunny Delight

Sunflower in Wisconsin prairie

Sunny Delight © 2010 Bo Mackison

Took a walk through a prairie near Madison yesterday. Only had about 20 minutes before the clouds started getting dark and I could hear thunder in the background. I managed about 30 shots, mostly of the sunflowers and compass plants before I decided to make it a short session.

To soothe my minor disappointment, I stopped at a nearby McDonald’s for a caramel frappe. Yeah, I know, I know. But once in awhile, I just can’t stop myself. So yummy and cooling. And it was hot and muggy outside. Wouldn’t want to get dehydrated, right?

Hmm. I do like to photograph sunny-dispositioned  sunflowers when it’s overcast, not so much sunflowers in thunderstorms however.