Garden Photo of the Day

A Photographer’s View of Flowers

Loving portraits of beautiful flowers

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 sunflowersMexican 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 jalapaMirabilis jalapa (four-o-clock, Zones 8–10 or as annual), photographed in late August at Community Gardens in Cambridge.

Ruby-throated HummingbirdRuby-throated hummingbird feeding on a Mexican sunflower, photographed at Community Gardens in Woburn, Massachusetts.

dahlia bloomClose-up of an intricate dahlia bloom, photographed at Community Gardens in Cambridge.

Painted lady butterflyPainted lady butterfly on a zinnia (Zinnia elegans, annual), photographed at Community Gardens in Cambridge.

Monarch butterflyMonarch butterfly, photographed at Community Gardens in Woburn.

Scarlet bee balmScarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma, Zones 4–9), photographed at Community Gardens in Cambridge.

 

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Comments

  1. pam_clemmons 01/13/2020

    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!

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Pam, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed them! ~Michael

    2. michaelrossacciphoto 07/01/2020

      If you are interested in any prints, you can reach out to me privately via [email protected], thank you!

  2. Maggieat11 01/13/2020

    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.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Maggie, Thanks very much for your best wishes and kind words! Very much appreciated!

  3. nwphillygardener 01/13/2020

    Great shots! I hope you continue photographing in the garden since you have surely can show us all something special in your images.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      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!

  4. coastalgardener 01/13/2020

    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...

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      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!

  5. alicefleurkens 01/13/2020

    Really stunning pictures. How do you get that black background?
    Alice

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      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

  6. User avater
    simplesue 01/13/2020

    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.

    1. User avater
      simplesue 01/13/2020

      Oh yes! I just googled your name and found more of your amazing photography! Wonderful!

      1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

        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

  7. jocelynsp 01/13/2020

    So beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Hi Jocelyn, Thanks very much and glad you enjoyed them! It was a pleasure for me to share these images!

  8. User avater
    treasuresmom 01/13/2020

    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.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      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!

  9. btucker9675 01/13/2020

    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!

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      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!

  10. User avater
    carolcowee 01/13/2020

    Don't we have a "God of Wonders"? A Creator beyond words....

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Hi Carol, Yes I firmly believe we do! Thanks for commenting, ~ Michael

  11. JanSuzanneDay 01/13/2020

    Wow...stunning photos ! Thank you for sharing and best wishes for contined healing of your back issue.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Thanks very much, my pleasure and thanks for sending me continued healing wishes, much appreciated!

  12. User avater
    bdowen 01/13/2020

    Breathtakingly beautiful photography! Glad you are recovering from your injury but the photos you made "en route" are spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm very happy to share them and glad they resonated with you!

  13. darylsavage 01/13/2020

    Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/13/2020

      Daryl, Thanks very much!

  14. User avater
    vanhatalosuomi 01/14/2020

    Really enjoyed your photos, thank you for sharing them!

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/18/2020

      Vanha, I'm glad you enjoyed my photos! You are most welcome. ~Michael

  15. user-5117752 01/17/2020

    Simply marvelous pics! My favorite is the Painted Lady on Zinnia! (Good title, don't you think?)

    1. michaelrossacciphoto 01/18/2020

      Thanks very much for your kind words! Nice title indeed!
      ~ Michael

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