Macro Capture: The Jazz of Flowers: VIDEO BELOW

What's all this jazz about flowers?

I stood in the colorful fields of the Degoede Tulip Farm near Mossyrock, WA and watched the dance unfold. I found peace, excitement, and amusement on a sunny day in May. The buds and full bloomed beauties stretched and waved like a practiced troop of dancers. It was a summer dream where pinks and blush and smoky purple costumes danced under a cool blue sky. In the video, The Good Times with Flora in Washington State, you'll discover the cast of characters; Tulip Stretch in Orange, Opening Night, Dancing Tulips, and The Painted Tulips' Soft Touch.

Spring is moving on, so I gathered the flower images and created this short slideshow - just for you. And in case you are really interested in tulips, here is the link to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival that is held in WA State each April 1-30. This festival has been a major destination area for flower lovers for 28 years.

So, as much as the Pacific Northwest supplies the perfect climate for flowers in Western Washington, it performs a similar service for the wine country in Eastern Washington. Next post, I will cover a bit of the wine country around Yakima, and a visit to Bonair Winery.

Degoede Tulip Farm near Mossyrock, Spring 2011

In the video below you will enjoy the artistic tulip and the many other flowers. And one of my favorite flowers, the fantastic purple iris is also a featured player! The iris has a place in my heart and in my photography, so see if you can discover which iris has been named Iris Beauty in Evening Glow! If you would like to gaze at these beauties'  close-ups, please visit the portfolio, Flora, @ http://www.janiemcrae.com/

Set back and relax, maybe with a glass of wine, and enjoy The Jazz.

Looking from the tulip fields into the mountains:

Degoede Tulip Farm, Mossyrock, WA, 2011.

Abstract, Iris in Spring - Olympia

The Gear for capturing Flora: Camera: Canon 5D Mark II, Canon E100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens, and in a few images, the Canon 70-300 Zoom. Shot in RAW, adjustments: LR 2.7, Photoshop Cs5.

The images below were all shot with the Canon 100mm at the Degoede Tulip Farm. My special thanks to the owners and employees at the farm with the fantastic gift shop and beautiful tulip fields. I especially want to say thank you to the tulip workers who allowed me to photograph them.

About the Bokeh

Red tulip in the fields.

The Canon Macro 100mm IS Lens produces a beautiful Bokeh.

It renders soft colors and out-of-focus areas that create appealing flower images, and it creates incredible soft spots away from the focus. 

Tulip with Watercolor Background.

 Degoede Tulip Farm, Mossyrock, WA, 2011. Tulip gatherer in the spring harvest.

Blushing Beauty: Apricot Striped with Red