Today’s photos come from photographer Michael Rossacci.
Although I love photographing flowers (gardens and wildflowers) when I have the time, I mostly do birds and landscapes. Late this past summer, after suffering a lower back injury, I needed to take it easy from carrying my heavier gear, so I decided to dedicate a few months to photographing flowers and nature in the local gardens in my area of Arlington, Massachusetts. Thankfully, my back is feeling much better, and it has really been a blessing that the time I spent in these gardens has really opened up my creative vision. I have been very fortunate to learn just how therapeutic gardens can be, and I tip my hat to all the passionate gardeners I’ve met.
While visiting a local garden in my area looking for some late-season pollinators, I came across this beauty. I pulled out my macro lens and took several photos as it hopped from aster to aster. I was particularly happy with this frame taken in late October in Lexington, Massachusetts, at the Garden of Colonial Flowers at the historic Munroe Tavern.
Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual) are attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds alike. Besides providing safe havens and nutrients for these garden dwellers, their profound colors and rich texture give many community gardens a sense of place and comfort. I photographed this abundant patch late this past summer at Community Gardens in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Mirabilis jalapa (four-o-clock, Zones 8–10 or as annual), photographed in late August at Community Gardens in Cambridge.
Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding on a Mexican sunflower, photographed at Community Gardens in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Close-up of an intricate dahlia bloom, photographed at Community Gardens in Cambridge.
Painted lady butterfly on a zinnia (Zinnia elegans, annual), photographed at Community Gardens in Cambridge.
Monarch butterfly, photographed at Community Gardens in Woburn.
Scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma, Zones 4–9), photographed at Community Gardens in Cambridge.
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Comments
Wow! Magnificent and stunning photos! You did an excellent job and so pleased to hear you're recovering from your back injury.
These photos would make beautiful post cards!
Pam, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed them! ~Michael
If you are interested in any prints, you can reach out to me privately via [email protected], thank you!
Lovely! I especially love the Monarda photo!
Glad you felt up to doing some photography, you have brightened the day of many folks today.
Best wishes for your continued recovery.
Maggie, Thanks very much for your best wishes and kind words! Very much appreciated!
Great shots! I hope you continue photographing in the garden since you have surely can show us all something special in your images.
Thank you so much for your comment! I'm thrilled that you found something special in my images and yes, I'm looking forward to getting back to the gardens this spring for sure!
What absolutely stunning photos! I especially love the ones that capture the insects as well as the blossoms...and the hummingbird shot was amazing considering how fast these little gems move! Maybe your foray into photoing flowers was a sign from above...
I very much appreciate your kind words! Yes, I believe in such signs from above.. You are right about how fast those gems move! Thankfully, the bumble bees move a little slower!
Really stunning pictures. How do you get that black background?
Alice
Alice, Thank you very much! The black background came from me hanging a small black cloth behind the flower a short distance away. I also used a small reflector to reflect some ambient sunlight onto the flower to give it some highlights. ~ Michael
I just loved seeing all of those close-ups of creatures feeding on flowers that are usually just a fast motion blur flying away when I see them (and try to photograph them LOL!)
I hope you made this is your career, these are professional quality photos.
Oh yes! I just googled your name and found more of your amazing photography! Wonderful!
Sue, Thanks so much for looking me up and checking out my work! I sincerely appreciate you kind words. As for my career, I'm actually an electrical engineer by trade but love doing photography in my spare time. It's a great creative outlet for me! ~ Michael
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jocelyn, Thanks very much and glad you enjoyed them! It was a pleasure for me to share these images!
Mexican Sunflowers are the absolute best for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. I have a 15 ft row at the bottom of our garden every summer. Always an amazing sight to see the creatures partaking.
Thanks for your comment! Yes, I love hanging out by the Mexican Sunflowers for the very reasons you mentioned. They definitely create a natural environment for the creatures to relish in!
Thank you for sharing these wondrous photos! That dahlia is spectacular. I'm glad your back is getting better and hope your will be good as new soon!
Thanks so much for your well wishes, my back is definitely getting better. I'm glad you enjoyed the dahlia! I remember how fun it was to try and capture a few abstract images of it that day!
Don't we have a "God of Wonders"? A Creator beyond words....
Hi Carol, Yes I firmly believe we do! Thanks for commenting, ~ Michael
Wow...stunning photos ! Thank you for sharing and best wishes for contined healing of your back issue.
Thanks very much, my pleasure and thanks for sending me continued healing wishes, much appreciated!
Breathtakingly beautiful photography! Glad you are recovering from your injury but the photos you made "en route" are spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm very happy to share them and glad they resonated with you!
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Daryl, Thanks very much!
Really enjoyed your photos, thank you for sharing them!
Vanha, I'm glad you enjoyed my photos! You are most welcome. ~Michael
Simply marvelous pics! My favorite is the Painted Lady on Zinnia! (Good title, don't you think?)
Thanks very much for your kind words! Nice title indeed!
~ Michael
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