Life cycle study - Lily of the Valley

[Wicked Dark]

So I've been casting about for a project to sharpen my skills and give me long-term photographic possibilities. Little did I know the perfect study is literally just outside my door.

I've decided to photograph the life cycle of the Lilies of the Valley next to my front walk. Some consider them a pest flower as they are prolific, hardy and often take over an area to the detriment of everything else. It's all true. They send out runners many, many feet from the main patch and colonize a new area. Although not thought to be highly poisonous, the medicinal indications are similar to digitalis (foxglove). They are intensely fragrant and have lush leaves hiding delicate, white bell-shaped blossoms. I used to pick them for my mother when I was a child.

March 31st -


Olympus E-30 | OM 90mm f2 macro lens | ISO 100 | f8 | 4/10th sec | ziplock bag containing fleece gloves (tripod replacement)


I will post more throughout the seasons.

[Marko]

I think this is a cool project and I like your first shot WD!

[JAS_Photo]

Very cool!The neighbours have them growing along one side of their house. There is a side walk that separates the two properties so they are less prone to spread. They are great when in bloom, the fragrance from those tiny flowers is amazing. The are also in a somewhat shady area where nothing else is really happy to grow.

[Mad Aussie]

Cool idea!

[Richard]

Nice idea, will we be able to follow this on your blog?

[Wicked Dark]

1st post w/bonus images.

[Wicked Dark]

I've posted about part 2, nothing exciting, but a few more photos than this -



Rain + warm temps = growth

[Wicked Dark]

Here is a shot from April 8th -



With all the rain we've had and sun we're going to get these are going to explode pretty soon.

[Mad Aussie]

They are really coming along aren't they!! In 4 days they are about 5 times their original size.

[Hillbillygirl]

Very nice shots in this series Wicked. I will definitely be following this thread.