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The photos on this page are from a project called “The End of Summer” that I started earlier this year.
The aim of the project was to create a series of photos of flowers and plants dying away as the weather got colder.
It started in September when I began visiting local gardens to do some close-up photography. The idea was to get out of the house, visit new places and experiment with different techniques. My only purpose was to have fun and make new photos.
I experimented with two unusual lenses for close-up photography, a Lensbaby Sol 45 and a vintage Helios 58mm f2 lens. I used them both with a Canon 500D close-up lens to get up nice and close to my subjects. Both lenses create an unusual and beautiful bokeh. Eventually I settled on the Helios 58mm lens – I used it to make all the photos you see here.
Several weeks in I realized something interesting. Most articles and books about flower photography encourage you to look for perfect specimens.
My realization was that imperfect specimens are just as interesting. It occurred to me that I was witnessing the end of summer – flowers dying and fading with the changing season. That’s when the idea for the project was formed. From that point on I focused on photographing imperfect flowers.
I’m sharing this with you because it’s a great example of the power of projects to give you direction and help you create a body of work. Let’s break down how the creative process worked for me, and what you can learn from it.
The creative process
1. I started out with a vague idea, an intention to make the effort to make close-up photos of flowers. It’s a small, simple idea that anybody can do. Easy projects are good ones because you’re more likely to get started.
2. I had an open mind. I played with different lenses and techniques. I put no pressure on myself to get great results.
The interesting thing here is that the project idea came second. The important thing was to get out there making photos. The idea for the project came naturally, but only after I’d started.
Projects are great, but if you can’t think of one then try a different approach. Start by making photos of something that interests you. As you get into it, a project idea may suggest itself to you.
3. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience. From days out exploring new places, to feeling the sun on my face on warm days, to inviting a friend along to make photos with me.
My project idea formed in this relaxed state of mind. This gave me focus and direction and from that point on I photographed flowers and plants that fitted the brief.
4. The project had a natural end. As the weather deteriorated (and some of the gardens closed for the winter) I could no longer make new photos for the project.
Finished projects are good because they give you a sense of completion and achievement.
5. There’s plenty of room for experimentation. So far I’ve developed the photos in color in Lightroom Classic. I used the Print module to group them into the sets of three that you see in this article.
I’ve developed a couple of photos in Exposure X. I’ll develop more soon, and also use DxO FilmPack, and convert some to black and white. I’m looking forward to experimenting – it gives me something to do on cold, rainy winter days.
Here are the photos I developed in Exposure X.
6. I’ve created physical pieces of art. I printed out my favorite photos from the project, framed them and hung them in my house. I created a zine (screenshots below). These are my rewards – I have something to show for the effort.
Turning digital photos into physical objects you can look at and hold brings you back to the origins of the craft. It gives you something to show to other people, and a legacy you can leave to others.
In the digital realm, I made a new gallery for my portfolio website (click the link to see it).
7. It’s sparked ideas for new projects. In the spring, I plan to do the opposite, and photography buds and emerging flowers. Next summer I’d like to experiment with the cyanotype process. Next autumn, I’ll repeat the same idea, hopefully with a different twist that I haven’t thought up yet.
The End of Summer zine
Here are some screenshots from my zine “The End of Summer.”
The Creative Photographer
My ebook The Creative Photographer explores seven ways that you can become a better photographer by focusing on the creative aspects of photography. Click the link to learn more or buy.
4 comments
Beautiful images! And I really like your summary of how the project unfolded as you took each step.
A pleasing write-up, satisfying the sharing of an idea as well as some personal productivity.
I always have loved your writing, it provides so much inspiration. This summer I was doing a lot of flower photography in public parks and gardens. I live in upstate New York, USA and in September I traveled to Colorado to visit family. I said to my daughter-in-law that it was the end of flower season. I was surprised when she said ” And now it’s the start of dead flower season!”. She has a beautifully landscaped yard with flowers….and at theat time, dead and dieing flowers. So I did a similar project while I was there for 2 weeks. The concept of a project is something I learned from you a few years back. And since then I think in terms of projects. Thank you for all your inspiration.
Quite amazing that we can photograph for a project, a subject that would offend the purists. Thanks for opening this door Andrew