It’s been so hot here the last few days, I haven’t felt like doing much. I daydream of going to the movie theatre, just to sit bathed in that ultra-cold, air-conditioned air. But I don’t go and do it because, you know, the price of a ticket would be a luxury expenditure right now, and I’m trying to be a good girl. Plus, it would feel all the more hot once I returned home.
In this heat, I haven’t been doing a very good job of keeping up with e-mails, comments, or posts on the blog. To give you an idea, I’d uploaded these photos far in advance, planning for the end-of-the-month Hot, Loud, & Proud meme, hosted by my friend Noel Morata over at his beautiful blog, A Plant Fanatic in Hawaii. But then when it came time to write it yesterday, I was limp and listless and not in the mood to do anything much but sit on the couch with F. and a tall glass of lemony ice-water, watching sci-fi reruns with our little window unit blaring at full blast. (He’s recently gotten me into the Babylon 5 series.)
The garden is surely showing my neglect and lethargy, but I don’t seem to be able to muster the energy to care.
I guess this is the dark side of hot.
But there’s a bright side, too. Take, for instance, this flower bed, my favorite “hot spot” at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Isn’t it lovely?
When I originally uploaded these shots for your consideration, I was planning this long, detailed post about how I go about photographing a particular scene, inviting inspiration to come to me. I’d received a couple of e-mails requesting some guidance on photographing garden scenes that truly made me blush. (Y’all are too kind, really.) And although I’m no expert — not even close — I was planning on sharing precisely how I do it, and what seems to work for me.
Now I’m pretty much ready to just show you the pictures.
Every artist has to find their own path, after all, and discover by trial and error what works for him.
Even so, I suppose I could rally the energy to share my top three photography tips, the things I consider essential for my own process. What’s the worst that could happen? I could melt into a puddle as I type.
Number 1: Be open to the moment. If you go out there really determined to get a great shot of a coneflower for this specific post you have in mind, your single-minded focus will prevent you from seeing the awesome way the light is shining through that sassafrass tree, or the metallic green bee perched just so on a brilliant orange petal.
I guess what I am trying to say is: Don’t be too sure you know in advance what your muse is trying to tell you.
This posture is essentially hostile to any creative process, and that attitude is the one that results in frustrating photo expeditions — not to mention overworked watercolors, collages that morph into busy messes, short stories destined for the wastebasket, and poems that are so convoluted even your creative writing teacher shakes her head in confusion.
Why is that?
Hmm… because I think when you get down to it, Art is about not knowing. About being as open as we can be to this incomparable Reality, in whatever guise it comes to us.
For me, that often looks like wonder.
Number 2: Take lots of photos. And I mean lots.
Whatever number you think is enough photos of your subject, double that. Most of them are the photos you will need to throw away to get to the good ones.
Now, this would have been tough advice to give a new photographer a few years ago, when the photographers I knew personally had invested in serious equipment, darkrooms in their houses, purchasing canister upon canister of film, and the best print paper they could afford. But you really have no excuse in the digital era. (Philip over at Capturing Beauty has a wonderful article entitled Simple Advice where he explains this better than I could, by the way.)
Take lots of pictures because… get ready for it… Practice makes Perfect. And that advice really goes for all the arts, writing included, as I personally can attest.
I am allowed to pass on such miserable clichés because my sister is a classical musician, and if you have ever observed a musician in training — and I mean a good one, or one who becomes a good one — the first thing you will realize is that lots of would-be artists give up way too early. Whenever I lament the development of my own writing skills, all I have to do is remember my little sister, practicing seven hours a day at the height of her learning curve. The vision of that kind of determination makes me get back to work.
Or rather, to play.
Because making art, any art, has to be a playful act. Or, in the case of a dark or serious piece, we might say that one has to be free when making it. Free to see it from another angle, free to break the old rules, free to blaze a new path, to explore other options.
So that’s my last bit of advice.
Number 3: Take it lightly. Take yourself lightly. I hate the stereotype of the serious artist, and I have never actually met a succesful artist who wasn’t playful and endowed with a great sense of humor, which allows, among other things, a gentle receptivity to their own fledgling ideas.
This is not rocket science we’re doing here. (Thank God. Because F. does rocket science all day long, and I have never seen an ounce of humor in a physics equation.) When you go out with your camera — or with your pen or paintbrush or instrument — you are supposed to feel a little bit giddy sometimes, a little bit free, like a kid with a big deluxe box of crayons and no parent staring over your shoulder.
I grant you permission to have fun.
Wonderful things lie ahead on this path...
Namasté, y’all.
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Wonderful photography advice! I especially like the last bit about being playful and “taking it lightly.” Sometimes I’m in such a hurry to get the best shot I can, that I forget to breathe, notice the gentle curves of a petal, the intoxicating fragrance, and the joy of being in the presence of such beauty.
As for the heat, I’m with you on that one, too. Hot colors are marvelous, but I want my home cool and comfy.
Thank you for sharing and have a fine, fine week, Meredith!
Teresa O´s last blog ..
Teresa, that’s my favorite tip, too. If it’s not playful and gentle, what are we doing it for? I know what you mean about forgetfulness… but what a joy when we come back to ourselves and this moment and know its Beauty all over again — or for the first time! (Really, every moment is a first time; isn’t it?)
Thank you for this lovely comment!
Hi Meredith,
I am with you regarding the heat….I just can’t summon the energy somedays to venture outside. Thankfully, it was rather cool this weekend and I actually pulled some weeds.
I love your tips and always try to have a camera on me because I never know when I will find the ‘perfect shot’.
Noelle / azplantlady´s last blog ..All Grown Up
If we had central air, I think I’d never come out of the house some days.
And you have it much hotter there in the desert! I’m glad you got a momentary reprieve and were able to get out into the garden.
That is a great tip in and of itself, Noelle! Be prepared.
hi Meredith, how are you. I came here a few weeks ago, when you are somehow in the low. I think you are better. And you are never more right about this practicing without let-up when you want to be good in your art! Artists are all like that. Maybe that’s the reason why in my recent hobby of photography, i thought i am very impatient, sometimes i joke that i might have ADHD. I am a scientist by profession and the exactness of things made us use our other side of the brain more. When the time comes that we need to use the other half, we feel disappointed when we cannot get what we want in a short time, that is me! I hope the others are not like me. But somehow i enjoy photography a lot, or let’s say that is a panacea to leave unwanted situations at work. I love the camaraderie and the personalities of my photography companions. The underside is that i dont want to work anymore, but take more leaves and do photoshoots, phototours, backpack photography, etc, etc. hahaha. What do you say, Ms. Artist?…From Ms. Scientist-hopefully-turning artist. hehehe!
Andrea´s last blog ..Hot- Loud and Proud for July 10
Andrea, was I? Really? I honestly don’t recall.
I guess that’s a primer on emotions and mood right there: everything passes. Everything.
I suspect impatience is also part of the journey in every art, every profession. How would we learn patience… except by experiencing the consequences of impatience and moving beyond?
Believe me, I understand about how a scientist approaches things! My husband is one, too. I’d have to say to take it slow and gently, and hold onto your day job until you have some expectation of a return on your artwork. I know many, many artists, in all different mediums, musicians, sculptors, painters, graphic designers, garden designers, writers, and not one of them was able to support themselves virtually overnight with their chosen art form. Just like in the sciences, this path requires work and dedication. But I wish you great joy of your new passion!
Lovely hot photos, Meredith! They were fairly radiating off the screen! Are you gonna be annoyed when I confess that we’ve had a sudden sharp break in both temperature and humidity? The other morning it was only 58 degrees and I have to admit I was almost giddy. I’ll try to blow some of that fresher air your way. I soooo hear you on the lethargy of heat. It just plain old saps all the get-up-and-go right out of you. And it’s probably how nature intended it – so we slow down and don’t over-do. Great tips, too. Especially taking lots of shots. Thank heavens for digital! I’d be broke if I had to deal in film!
Talon´s last blog ..The Great Blue
Frankly, Talon, I found them so hot I wondered aloud to F. if they even matched the blog’s personality.
I’m not annoyed — just envious! And glad for you, my friend. I read recently (but not sure if it’s true) that this is the longest heatwave ever recorded in S.C. All I know is it’s tough on the body. This is the first time I can remember *longing* for autumn in my entire life. Working on moment-by-moment acceptance…
It is so hot out! Your flowers are gorgeous! I love all the orange colors. Really nice!
meemsnyc´s last blog ..Fresh Basil is Intoxicating!
Amen, meems. Hoping you get a break in the temperature soon!
Thank you for those kind words. I’m rather fond of orange, myself.
We’ve had some very summer-like days here recently and there is still another month of winter left. I’m not looking forward to the heat and humidity of our Queensland spring/summer so I’m not quite ready to see the back end of winter just yet. I can sympathise with the lethargy you are feeling due to the heat.
Wonderful advice, Meredith! I believe it’s so important not to go out with tunnel vision of what we’re looking for as a subject because it certainly does blind us to the other amazing possibilities. Beautiful photos!
Serena´s last blog ..Im still here
Serena, your winter sounds a bit like ours was. Do you remember our strange February heat wave? It’s disconcerting, I know. I surely hope your summer is not as hot as ours has been — or at least not for such a long stretch, unrelenting.
I am glad you approve of the advice, Serena! I value your artistic input very highly, and I think you definitely know what you are talking about, having seen your artwork.
Dear Meredith, I am so sorry that the hot weather is really affecting you and causing you to be truly out of sorts. Now, I offer you a little advice, and do feel free to dismiss it totally, and that is to give yourself a complete break from posting and commenting, simply doing those things which require little if any effort, until you feel more yourself. And, be assured, we shall all still be here for your return – refreshed and ready to go. As for the garden, you will be able to catch up with it when the weather is cooler and you are in better spirits.
Edith Hope´s last blog ..Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May
Edith, I think I probably need to edit myself a little more carefully before pressing publish and not allow those moments of heat-induced moodiness to leak onto the page. Your advice has been really valuable to me and caused me to ponder my plans for August at the blog ever since I first saw this message in the inbox two days ago.
Thank you!
The only pictures I take are with my phone and small camera. But you did a great job of bring out the color and life of the flowers. Thanks
desk49´s last blog ..Off to War and Back Again-
Ellis, I’m glad you liked the pictures. My small camera has morphed into a big part of my life in nearly a year of blogging — you’d be surprised what you can do with one, and how it can change your perspective.
Your photos are gorgeous! And your advice is sound.
Lisahgolden´s last blog ..You Can Hire Me- Bring Me Back After a Session
Aw, thanks, Lisa.
Yes – I’m over the heat, too. It’s funny – they did a segment on CBS Sunday Morning yesterday with the same reporter interviewing people in the dead of winter and right now. And the winter people were saying, “Come on summer!” And the summer people were saying, “Come on winter!” I never mind winter really because it is not quite as brutal in the south as north of us. But this has been the hottest summer I can remember in a long time.
Those photos are lovely – I think you are right. Just snap whatever presents itself. That’s why my digital camera is in my purse at all times.
Lynn´s last blog ..Nest and pencil- role model and awake
Lynn, I’m thrilled that you shared that excerpt from the CBS show. This is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been trying to get to sink into my awareness — that it is cyclical, that it will be over soon, that I need to relax and go with the flow of “heat” right now and not resist. It’s silly to be complaining, really. And I know it.
I think the photos that come to you are special and magical precisely because you are on the lookout for those moments of goodness and beauty that fill your day, my friend.
We are kindred with the effects of intense heat and sci-fi reruns… cold lemon water too. I feel for you coping with the hot weather. Great advice on picture taking and lovely photos to illustrate… be cool. ;>)
Carolflowerhillfarm´s last blog ..Wildflower Wednesday Wonder Asclepias syriaca
Mmmm… cold lemon water. I need a refill right now. Be right back. Count to 10, okay?
1…. 2….3….
Thank you for waiting, and for that lovely comment, Carol. You can send me sympathy and fellow-feeling for the weather, and I’ll send you the same for the recovery (which I hope is progressing easily and quickly and beautifully).
I like your tips! I think I follow all of them without thinking about it. I even followed the “take lots of pictures” one when I had film. Goodness knows that I do not miss the developing of photos.
I like to read Under the Tuscan Sun when it’s sweltering and imagine I’m in Italy. I don’t know why, but somehow it makes me feel cooler.
Elizabeth´s last blog ..ode to joy- volume 30
Elizabeth, I must confess that I wrote that thinking of the e-mails I’d gotten asking for a bit of help. I never dreamed that advice could be useful to someone as far along their photography journey as you. (In fact, belatedly, I realize I ought to have included a list of links to photographers I admire on the net, like you, as inspiration and guidance for those who wanted it. Next time!)
I have that book on my shelf. Perhaps I’ll give it a try tomorrow when it starts really heating up…
Meredith — I loved all the pictures and your recommendations. I agree about taking lots of pictures because you never know which one will be right, even with the digital cameras we have today. There have been times when I’ve downloaded pictures and found a picture that surprised me. I took it, but after the download, saw something new in it.
Regarding heat, boy do I agree with you. Our heat index for today is 110 degrees F. It’s hard to go outside at all. I miss it because, like you, I mostly take pictures of nature. I’m just finding it hard to get the energy to do it right now.
Great post and great ideas for photography. Thanks:~)
Sara´s last blog ..Story Photo- End the Story
Sara, I’ve done the same thing, many times! A photo that I felt was blah when I took it turned into magic when seen at full size on the screen. Or vice versa.
My favorite is when I take a shot of a vegetable or tree or flower and a creature was in the shot, that I did not notice when snapping away. Seems almost like a little wink from Nature.
I’m having the same trouble, Sara. Nearly got dehydrated today, photographing in the heat of the day (like an idiot, but hey, I take my opportunities as they come), and my camera actually quit working it got so hot in the sun. When Nature is your favorite subject, and she has become downright dangerous to our bodies and our equipment, it is tricky.
Maybe it’s a signal we’re supposed to work on other photographic subjects for a few weeks?
aloha friend,
i feel for you, i’ve been to the southeast only once in the summer time and i could barely get out of the air conditioned home…its unbearable even for someone in Hawaii…we usually have weather in the high 80′s at its worst so I can’t imagine especially when you add the incredible humidity that makes it almost impossible to breath.
but, i am so grateful that you took the opportunity to write about something so wonderful as to share your observations on capturing your world and how you want to portray it, and, i can see from your hints that your photos do portray the essence of how you see things, more playful, colorful and seeing things with an open eye so that the inspiration comes to you to document this moment.
thanks for sharing these wonderful insights, i would love to do a photo tip post some day too, when i get better with my craft
noel´s last blog ..Photohunt Challenge Public
High 80s and low humidity does indeed sound like paradise right now, Noel. But then, I suspect you already know you live there.
I enjoyed taking the “hot” idea and turning it into something more. It’s fun for me to see where I can take your prompts for the meme.
You’d better see my response to Elizabeth’s comment, above, Noel, if you want to know how I feel about you taking advice from me. Your photos are stunning. The ones you prepped for the competition were absolutely breathtaking. I’d read an advice post from you on this art form any day!
Taking photos is my life but I could NEVER get the results I want if I wasn’t enjoying myself. Expressing myself through my art is just put of who I am and it always depends on I’m feeling, I never have a detailed idea of what I want, it’s always organic for me, it has to be.
Love your hot and proud garden – it most certainly isn’t too warm here in Ireland!
carrie´s last blog ..The Sun is shining
Carrie, the joy you take in your chosen art form is so evident in every shot.
Your sensibility shines through each frame, and I can feel the personality lurking behind the lens. And I can tell it is a beautiful, organic process for you, just by looking. I’d love it if you’d share your tips with us all at your blog sometime!
Wish we could somehow equalize the temps between SC and Ireland….
oh honey, stay cool. this post is filled with magic.
xo
Thank you, Christina. Your comment made me smile big.
Well, you must certainly be a puddle by now, Meredith, after dispensing all that great advice. My friends laugh at me when I take way more photos of something than convention would dictate is required. First, it’s because I suck at taking photos and want to get better at it. Second… well, there is no second because First is all there is at the moment!
Wonderful images by the way. The first and third ones are particularly striking. I haven’t mastered that kind of beautiful clarity in my photos yet, but I’m trying! You make it look like it should be easy, but of course it’s not.
Oh, and hey, great minds must think alike. Me and Cass have been rewatching that wonderful sci-fi series Farscape. It was shot here in Australia, a fact I think that we can be proud of! I’d forgotten just how fabulous it actually was!
Tony, I completely understand why you take so many. Your friends just don’t get it — yet.
It’s funny the photos each person would choose as their faves. I’m always pleased to hear which ones work for you, because I can, of course, only view them from within my subjective prison. (Photo #4 was the only one I found excellent.)
My dad was into Farscape a few years ago, and I just mentioned your recommendation to F. He says that we’ll certainly put it on our list. Great minds certainly do think alike.
p.s. Actually, I must be 100% honest and say that I think *all* minds think alike, at least structurally.
Hi Meredith,
First of all, beautiful pictures! I personally am not much into flowers and insects, but these pictures scream to me “see what you’re missing?!” OK, I’ll pay more attention in the future.
Great advice for getting better pictures, I love to take some myself and, as you mention, it is fantastic all this digital thing…free practice…all you want!
No excuses!
And will apply the same concepts to writing, so thank you again
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last blog ..Five Cents of Happiness
Raul, so glad to see you here again! I don’t actually think the subject matter is essential. Whatever catches your eye, focuses your attention, that is the inspiration for the photograph — or any other art. What is not shown here because of the rather tight focus of the blog is that I like to photograph architecture and I’m getting into abstract photography recently, as well. I also enjoy street scenes and such arcane subjects as rust and… pipes.
Yes, pipes.
I haven’t had as much opportunity to track down those last few lately because I no longer live in an urban area. Part of the art of living — and of making art — is to find what beauty there is to see in this moment, wherever you are. No flowers required. Honest.
This post was a delightful read. “you are supposed to feel a little bit giddy sometimes, a little bit free, like a kid with a big deluxe box of crayons” Love that sentence. It is exactly how I feel when I head out the door early in the morning to capture my garden through my camera lense. And you said it so right about being open to the moment. I’ve noticed that my best pictures aren’t always the ones I planned on taking. Great post, Meredith.
Meredehuit ♥´s last blog ..Miracle Monday
Isn’t that fun, Carolyn, that what works out best is not always how we planned it? Good metaphor for life there, too.
Thank you for your kind words about the writing. You are such a gifted encourager, and you lifted me up tonight.
Hi Meredith, What a catchy title! Despite your mood and the heat, you still manage to post beautiful photos to brighten our day and even photography tips to benefit others. Feeling better now?
LOL! I’m glad someone liked the title. I couldn’t think of anything, but as I sat there empty-minded, perusing the photos, the Wicked Witch of the West’s pathetic high-pitched cry jumped into my head. Funny the places memory goes.
I am feeling so much better now. Thank you.
Fabulous post!
Kerri´s last blog ..Tuesday Keep on Trying
I’m so glad you thought so, Kerri. Thanks!
Hi Meredith!
Oooh la la — what a gorgeous website! Where have you been all my life?
This is great. One of the gifts of adulthood is never having to worry about a teacher or the like looking over our shoulders anymore. What a great point. I enjoyed reading your prose and your photography delighted me, Meredith. Thanks for sharing this with us. You’ve inspired me spend more time with my camera very soon.
Cheers!
Lori´s last blog ..Front Porch- Dreams- Laughter- and Comic Inspiration
Lori, welcome to The Enchanted Earth. I’m so glad you could visit.
Funny, but I was feeling the same way about your site when Tony led me there the other night. Can’t wait to return for more!
Thank you for that kind and thoughtful comment.
A wonderful post, absolutely full of good advice for the creative person, no matter what their chosen art is. I’m a fairly recent convert to digital photography–really enjoying it, but definitely still learning. The beauty of digital is you can practice and practice and practice, and all it will cost is your time. That’s really true of my other pursuits, also–writing and watercolor. All I need is a little paper and a pen/pencil/waterbrush.
Kathy´s last blog ..Cloudy With a Chance of Sunflowers
Kathy, isn’t that a miracle? I was a total and complete Luddite when F. met me, with dialup and an old CD player and even — gasp! — a VCR.
He’s had an uphill battle to convince me to try new things, and the only thing technological we both agreed on was that we wanted a home with no T.V. But when it came to the digital camera, let’s just say *Duck to Water.* 
He’s never been able to pry me away from it since, and I consider it one of the great wonders of the modern age.
Writing is also one of the glorious art forms available to anyone. The start-up supplies are ludicrously cheap compared to almost any other medium. (Just get ready for the cost to be taken out in other ways. Writers pay their dues from the heart and soul.)
So nice to read someone’s thoughtful, well-written musings on the artistic process. Have you read Twyla Thwarp’s books on this topic?
Taking many pictures, knowing most won’t be “good,” is like writing every day, knowing much of it will get thrown out. It’s so hard to convince my students that the stuff that gets tossed isn’t wasted–it’s part of the process that leads to the finished piece. The photographs you don’t print aren’t wasted either; they’re part of what leads to the ones you do share.
As for heat–here in Montana, we’re back to nights in the forties. Go figure!
–Kate
theManicGardener´s last blog ..Minnesota is not Montana
I’ve never read Twyla Thwarp’s work. I feel I have a pretty thorough grounding in the subject by now. But thank you for the recommendation. I always enjoy finding new sources of wisdom and inspiration.
Totally the same, I agree. Any art form requires practice, practice, practice. I can’t even imagine now how much writing I have thrown away or discarded or that sits in dusty notebooks in boxes under the bed. By this point in my life, it must be considerable!
Don’t make me jealous with your 40s nights.
I was thrilled to see our high will top out at 90 degrees sometime in the next 10 days — but we have yet to go below 75 for our nighttime lows, in the last three weeks!
Hope it’s cooling off for you down there – you do paint a nice portrait thought – lemony ice water under a window unit!
Great photography – or life really – advice! But really. How do you do it? Just kidding. I guess I’ll have to follow your advice and carve my own way…
Wendy´s last blog ..Vaca photos – the low country