inspiration, persistence and perfection

May 10, 2026 • 6 Comments

Perhaps it is the onset of spring in earnest. It could be the still images presented by nature and those that have already been photographed for books, magazines, or catalogs. Or drop dead gorgeous stills that creative cinematographers insert into movies and series. Or getting together with other photographers and writers to discuss our work. All of these things most certainly have provided abundant inspiration during the past couple of months. I feel the need to improve and focus, seeking some element of perfection while any camera is in my hand. And concentrating on a specific subject matter (for instance, flowers) for an extended period of time, provides a familiarity that one cannot achieve by taking one or two photographs. When I was making environmental portraits for my book A Place Like No Other: people of an enchanted land, a certain rhythm developed during a period of seven years, and the project took on a life of its own. Your equipment almost becomes part of your body.

Hardly any photography is without its time restrictions, but blooming flowers are time-sensitive during any season. You can make photographs year after year of the same subject, but the season is the limiting factor. You have to catch it. As indicated in last week’s blog, the columbine are in the middle of quite a bloom season, and I have been out nearly every day, at different times, documenting the cycle.

The first two images here are Early Bird Yellow columbines. I almost always included the graceful spurs because they are such a significant part of any columbine flower. The spurs in these have delicate red lines extending from the base of the petals to the end of each spur. They are most evident in the second photograph.

Continuing with the color yellow, the next three shots are of the Swallowtail columbine. My guess is that the spurs are the longest in the species. They remind me of dancers.

The light and shadow on this partially opened flower was something I was hoping to see. It happened in between gusts of wind.

The face of this swallowtail columbine flower is also typical of all columbines, with dents at the base of each inner petal.

Deep shade rendered such an extraordinary red in the Origami Red and White columbine below that it could be the inside of a juicy fruit.

Finally, the McKana Giant against a stucco wall is the epitome of pastel. The lines or pin stripes at the base of the petals here are a pink that would be hard to duplicate outside of the natural world.

Thanks to Jean & Sam, Kay, Terry T., Marilyn G., Catherine, and Steve for writing about last week’s blog.

I hope inspiration is abundant in everything you do this week, and persistence is the guide toward perfection!

until next Monday,

a passion for the image©

Keywords: Blacks Crossing Photography, columbine, Daryl A. Black, Early Bird Yellow columbine, flowers, McKana Giant columbine, nature, New Mexico, Origami red and white columbine, photography, swallowtail columbine

Comments

Catherine Sobredo(non-registered)

Thank you Daryl for reminding us of these precious, graceful, exquisite columbines which give the artists like you the opportunity to gift us with so much beauty from a multitude of unexpected angles and lighting!

Catherine Sobredo(non-registered)

Steeve Immel(non-registered)

I concur with the McKana Giant against stucco, so subtle. But it's the words that resonate right now. To wit, "I feel the need to improve and focus, seeking some element of perfection while any camera is in my hand. I'm thinking the same and have the motivation to master my craft and to learn new skills. I'd like to separate myself from the competent and find my point of difference.

Back to images. The Origami red and white columbine cries pomegranate and under sea creature.

Thanks for the lovely spring set.

Pauli(non-registered)

Lovely.

Terry Thompson(non-registered)

The McKana Giant against the stucco wall is fabulous. The winner in my book ...

No comments posted.