Sunflowers and Bees

Had the pleasure to visit the home of Nancy Siegler in Cameron Park, CA.  She opened her vast sunflower gardens to benefit Breast Cancer this weekend.  She is spearheading the mission of having the sunflower adopted as the official Breast Cancer flower. Her garden is simply stunning with numerous varieties and glorious colors I never knew existed in sunflowers!  Can not imagine the work and joy she must put into cultivating every seed.

One of the things I really appreciate about photography is learning–learned a valuable lesson–check my images while on location.  Have never shot flowers with rich chocolate centers with bright blue sky–I now know–that I will meter differently next time.  PLUS, view images to check the meter.  See, two lessons learned–life is good!  Next time–better shots.  I have another learning curve coming up and will be enjoying the opportunities with Nikon’s CaptureNX2 and Photoshop Elements.  At this time–I do not alter images aside from cropping and adding DrMarm, at the computer–due to lack of knowledge–truth be told.  When viewing my photos and seeing how much detail I missed inspired me to at least install CaptureNX2–which has been on my desk for a few weeks.  Look for “improved” Sunflower shots in the future:) Tic Tac Toe will be my first work in progress.

The last two photos are not from her yard–but seemed subject appropriate to add here!

Just one of many areas full of delightful color!

The bees were abundant and obliged numerous shots… 

Rich colors and pollen attract one of many bees buzzing about

Chocolate colored

Standing Tall

Future flower in the works!

Bee friend

Happy group of flowers

Three in a row!

This flower is in my front yard–by no act of mine, aside from watering the trees.  Seed sprouted courtesy of the many squirrels and birds that visit the feeder and make a mess.  Got to strategically weed today and am expecting a few more sunflower plants–they will stay as well as a couple of wild flowers.  Nice surprise! 

Flower courtesy of the birds and squirrels that scatter seed everywhere!

This shot is from the CA State Fair Farm, my assignment was backlighting… 

Assignment for NYIP--backlighting