I've been obsessed with Passion Flowers for a long time now, and while they grow well in Southern climates, I never find the flowering vines at my local nurseries. But this summer, I was ready to incorporate them into my container garden for three very specific reasons - to photograph, to use as a garnish for tropical drinks, and to press the leaves for craft projects. I haven't gotten around to the tropical drink yet, but I had a whole lot of fun photographing the first flower this weekend.
I took a chance and purchased a tiny little seedling by mail order in late spring and waited, somewhat impatiently, for the vine to take hold. A couple of weeks ago, buds finally starting popping up and Friday, the first flower sprang to life. But it's an unusual sort of flower - it takes about 10 minutes from the moment the flower begins to bloom until it's fully open. Then it graces you with its exotic beauty for no more than a day, slowly closing up again before it begins to bear fruit. It's a heady, fleeting romance, with little time to waste. All the more reason to capture its beauty on film.
Starting with a basic painted wood background
Experimenting with light and color
Up close and personal
Inspired by the work of Mary Delany, I photographed the flower against black velvet (for full effect, click on the image to enlarge). This was a completely new approach to photography for me and I can't wait to try it with other flowers.
LOVE the flower on black, just gorgeous, you are such a good photographer, such a natural eye!
Posted by: Tristan B. | 03 October 2013 at 05:13 AM
I totally "get" your fascination! You've got a beauty there and your photographs are equally as beautiful.
Posted by: Betty J Schaub | 20 August 2013 at 11:58 AM
Beautiful - really like the Mary Delany inspiration. I've been out in the woods looking at the late summer wildflowers. Came across a tiny wild orchid that I had never seen before. Flowers really do offer inspiration on so many levels. Your Passion Flower is beautiful - looking forward to seeing how it shows up again in your "creative landscape".
Posted by: Margery | 16 August 2013 at 07:55 AM
Gorgeous, Mandy!
Posted by: Suzonne | 12 August 2013 at 07:49 PM
I ran across my first passion flower this summer. Such a beautiful creation!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whimsicalwoodland/9348248262/
Posted by: Mandy | 12 August 2013 at 04:57 PM