Normally I try to move in really close to my subjects using a telephoto or macro lens. Yesterday, however, I decided to try to “see” the world differently by using a wider lens (24-105mm) during a quick trip with my photography mentor Cindy Dyer to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in the Anacostia area of Washington D.C. to check out the water lilies and lotus flowers.
The trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision while we were eating lunch, so we knew that we would miss out on the soft early morning light that we both prefer. However, the weather was beautiful, with the temperatures and humidity less oppressive than in recent weeks, so we decided to brave the Washington D.C. area traffic to check out the park.
Cindy is no stranger to the park. Last year four of her images of water lilies from the park appeared on US postage stamps, which were so popular that half a billion were printed. Check out this link to see information about these stamps. Earlier this year, one of Cindy’s images of Sacred Lotuses at the park was on one of the 16 postage stamps issued to commemorate the centennial of the National Park Service. Check out this link for more information about that stamp.
Here are some of my images of Sacred Lotuses (Nelumbo nucifera) from yesterday as I tried to step back a bit and see the flowers as part of a larger landscape. Initially I struggled a bit as I kept focusing on details, but my mind and my eye grew accustomed to the idea that the lens was not going to let me get in close. Gradually I started to see things differently and to frame my photos accordingly.
Acres and acres of lotuses
Lotuses fading into the distance
Lotus and seed pod
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Lovely shots!
I’ve been telling myself for weeks — months, really — that I need to make the trip to a refuge where I saw lilies and lotus remains last year. Despite the heat, you’ve reminded me that I need to do that now, before the flowers stop blooming. Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for these glorious photos.
Gorgeous!
I love your work! Especially the birds. If you ever capture water globules on the lotus leaf I would gladly buy the photo and share a poem I wrote with that image. Keep up the good work! You inspire all of us to be our creative best! Molly D.
Thanks, Molly. I may well be able to capture some water globules on lotus leaves, because there are some lotus plants in a garden not far from where I love. Do you have in mind the water that collects at the center of the leaves or water drops elsewhere on the leaves?
Beautiful images! You have succeeded in showing another veiwpoint. I have a problem getting out and looking at things from a different perspective. However, photography is taking a back seat with me at the moment. Amelia
Thanks so much, Amelia. I am sure your garden and bees are keeping you busy at this time of the year.
I love that first shot. Really beautiful!
Thanks, Allen. It was a challenge for me trying to see the “big picture.”
I love your approach to this. It reflects your artistic side well.