Purple Rhododendron 6-5-2017

Sometimes you do not have to travel very far to find great subjects when the backyard is in full spring bloom. Early June brought out our home rhododendron bushes in full force, loaded with vibrant lavender clusters that demanded a closer look through the lens before the summer heat set in.

This frame highlights a tight grouping of soft purple petals accented by intricate golden-brown speckles and gracefully curved stamens reaching outward. A shallow depth of field keeps the central floral grouping crisp and sharp, while smoothly blurring the surrounding leaves into soft, complementary tones of violet and rich garden green.