“It pleases me to take amateur photographs of my garden, and it pleases my garden to make my photographs look professional.” ~ Robert Brault
I have enjoyed taking amateur pictures of our garden – watching it progress through the seasons and develop over time. But lately, the amateur quality of the photos has been a sense of growing frustration and disappointment instead of joy. So, with appreciation to our Presidents for the three-day weekend, I rented a camera that takes a couple of leaps from my current gear.
When I started studying painting many moons ago, my student tools were inexpensive gessoed muslin canvas, cheap brushes and acrylic paints. I will never forget the first time I put fine sable brushes and a light oil wash to a linen canvas primed with rabbit skin glue (sorry bunny). The paint had a completely different feel, a brilliance and transparency. It did as I commanded – effortlessly gliding into place. That has been my experience behind the lens this weekend. Not just photographing our budding spring…
or happy birds…
but the beauty of the dogs –
and the delight in the faces of our volunteers and families.
“If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera” ~ Lewis Hine
Tuesday, I return the camera and turn back into a pumpkin. But something tells me there is a purchase in my future. So when words are inadequate, I can (happily) share our joy in photographs with you.
Gardens For Goldens 
Gorgeous Pictures! Looking forward to seeing the new camera in the garden!!!!
I can see the difference in the flower photos especially, lovely.
Thank you, Emily!
Mom is looking forward to doing this as well. Soon she hopes
🙂
I always thought your photos were beautiful, regardless of the camera. BOL – I’ve been there though!
Monty and Harlow
You’re too kind!
Thank you so much for sharing your Cinderella moment. The photos are stunning.
Thank you.
You and that camera belong together!
I hope so. 🙂
Oh my, yes you need that new camera – hopefully it’s on your wish list! Love the close-ups of the flowers.
It is the only thing on my wish list. 🙂
Oh Audrey, I do hope you give yourself the gift of the beautiful digital brush of a camera. You have a wonderful eye for color, beauty, and scenes of the moment. Thank you, as always, for sharing your gifts.
Lynn – thank you for your very generous note. 🙂