Especially at this time of year, when leaves are falling from the trees, revealing everything they shielded, I am in awe, and find myself marveling at nature.  Earth is full of complex and yet seemingly simple things that have some level of rhythm.  One of the best examples of this is corn.  The humble vegetable and staple of many a school lunchroom, corn feeds us and livestock as well as house pets, birds, and rodents.  But what a beautiful study in nature it is!  The kernels are packed tightly against one another, carrying a reflective sheen, regardless of color.  All this in a package protected by silken fibers and surrounded by husks.  They are near-perfect studies for still life photography.  A friend had given us seed corn for Christmas one year, and these are the results, grown at 7,800 feet in Taos County. 

Native American corn is particularly stunning, given the wide range of colors.

The rhythm of the kernels is tough to beat.

Corn offers photographers quite stunning black and white options.  Because of the reflective power of the kernels, the above photograph translates well into black and white.

I call these ears suitable for any backdrop.

Marilyn, Terry T., Dianne, Jean & Sam, Ross, Ingrid, Steve, Catherine, and Wayne checked in this week after reading the blog.  Many thanks to you and everyone who reads it.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©