Photographic Opportunities in the Kitchen Garden
Taking a closer look at nature in our own back yard
Maximising my kitchen garden’s potential for providing both food and photographic opportunities is very important to me. The knowledge gleaned from growing gives my food website substance, the food photographed feeds my stock library and the food harvested gives me sustenance!
In terms of photography a substantial stock library is essential, I photograph plants at every stage of their growing season giving me a useful record of previous years including any triumphs and/or disasters as well as being able to offer choice of image to prospective buyers.
Insects provide an interesting focal point on a photograph, I found this on one of my bean plants today on what was a particularly warm afternoon for October. This illustrates what can be achieved with a ’snapshot’, I didn’t have my macro lense ‘proper’ and wanted to catch the insect before it darted away.
Stepping out into your own back garden and taking a carefull look around can give you any number of interesting photographic opportunities, there is a lot more to a garden than some daffodils or a favourite rose.
Miles,
Here, here! I love my little plot of land. Although fairly closely planted I know that I still do not maximise it. It is back to our foes, the slugs, that tend to put me off from planting a lot more for them to devour. Perhaps Derfel would consider taking up a part-time patrolling job and planting some of his left over seedlings into my herbaecious borders?
October 9, 2007 @ 8:54 am
Elsie,
There’s not enough herbaecious border patrolling I agree and complain bitterly to Ray Mears on a regular basis (via aboriginal smoke signals, which can be very unreliable - last week I got an unexpected pizza delivery!). I think he visits my garden secretly and leaves the tell tale signs of an extinguished fire and a neatly whittled willow shack
Can’t say I recommend his de-slugging method … an antler harpoon seems a bit over the top to me, my delphiniums have never recovered!
Cid
October 9, 2007 @ 10:27 am
Miles,
I look forward to your exhibition in the Usher which must surely follow.
Cid
October 9, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Cid,
Praise indeed, Lincoln’s Usher Gallery is a fine place.
One day, maybe!
Miles
October 9, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
Cid
my delphiniums have never recovered!
I don’t think I would either!
Thank you for your cake recipe. I shall try it and post my comments. Meantime, perhaps we could all try some at the Halloween’s party in Miles’s
Kitchen Garden? I am expecting a very tasty bash!
October 9, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Great photo !
October 9, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
Derfel,
Thanks a lot! Will try and take the same photo next year when I purchase a new macro lens I like the look of.
Miles (any excuse for a new lens!)
October 9, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Elsie,
Reference Miles’ bash … he doesn’t seem awefully keen on the idea, anyone would think he’s over worked or something. Still, we shouldn’t let a little matter like Miles’ locking his door, get in the way of his party. I sense he won’t want to be carving a load of pumpkins either so we’ll bring those along. Last year I spotted a length of ‘faux’ chain, you know the sort of thing, that ghosts drag around … sadly they sold out in no time so this year I shall be on the lookout for a little number to compliment my existing halloween wardrobe!
Cid
October 9, 2007 @ 10:52 pm
Cid,
Trick or treaters must think ‘that bloke at number one’ is a tight sod because he always switches his lights out and pretends he’s not in..truth is, I’m not!
But if I get another Avon caller…..
October 9, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
Cid,
I fear you might be right about Miles and his reluctance to throw himself into said festivities. However, all of us appearing by various means of transport, wearing spectacular attire, clutching cakes, wines, schnaps amidst bright lit pumpkins, may prove to be irresistable to him. He will be opening his larder in no time at all and delight us with scrumptious fare.
October 10, 2007 @ 9:06 am
Elsie,
The only thing that might persuade him to open up could be our new speciality signature dish… snipe vol au vents. Of course you and I will know it’s chicken but let him have a moment to reflect on our brave endeavours to lasso our speedy prey and subsquently being dragged some distance, the both of us hanging on for dear life…
I was wondering how he might react to my seasonal makeup… somewhere in the kit is a tooth blackening pen and false nose. Being a gent he probably won’t mention it.
My old besom is fuelled up and ready to fly.
Cid
October 10, 2007 @ 11:23 am
Cid,
The snipe might get frightened out of their wits at the sight of us and drop right into our baskets whilst Miles will be struck with awe.
May the right winds prevail on our flight > > >
October 10, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
Cid,
If you can find a Snipe big enough to drag an adult I’d love to see it! Not sure what would be more scary; that or the make-up!
Miles
October 10, 2007 @ 10:24 pm
Elsie,
As delightful as all of this sounds I am sure I will be working that night-if not, I’ll just change the rota!!
Miles
October 10, 2007 @ 10:26 pm