Details

Last weekend, there was an event at my place that called for a table-top shooting studio and flowers. And so all week, I've been able to take advantage of the "May gray" light coming from my north window with flowers in the studio.
This morning I met the arrangement you see at the top and this afternoon, I've been experimenting with various details.

Could it be Rorschachian? What do you see when you look into the peony?

My So-called Studio

When Alison and I launched a Camera Committee outing to pay homage to Ray McSavaney by exploring the flower market and creating still life photos with flowers, we had no idea how it would turn out and who would even participate. We just wanted to make it a real opportunity to do good photography. The unforeseen bonus for me was a studio came to life in my living room.  

Ray's flower workshops culminated in a bunch of folks gathered in his studio near a huge north-facing window with backdrop stations that Ray made from PVC pipes. I took the idea of the PVC pipe station and enlarged it but I thought we would be shooting in open shade in my backyard under a pearly May sky and depending on the weather made us nervous. At some point I realized that I have pretty nice light in my living room. It took me more than thirty years to figure that out so I think Ray whispered in my ear. 

All week long, I've been playing in the "studio" you see above. Some results are rolling in. I think they are expressive.

This chaos in Sunflowers reminds me of Vincent Van Gogh

These remind me of a wedding party - right down to the little kids underfoot.

This makes me think of Edward Gorey. Such a curious little flower.

Went there

After all these years, finally visited Mt Lee and the Hollywood sign.

Thanks to Mary!