Springing Through the Fence

I am not sure exactly when this fascination began, but sometime in August I started snapping photos of flowers poking their heads through fence posts during my daily walks.  It may have had something to do with losing my walking partner to the classroom.  It is certainly true that when I am walking alone I am more observant of my surroundings.  At any rate this little game has gone on for several weeks.  The rules I made for myself are the following:  1.  I have used only my iphone camera. 2.  The flowers must come from plants that originate on the other side of the fence. 3.  I have made very few adjustments other than occasionally cropping a photo.

It has been surprisingly hard to come up with photos that make me happy, but following are a few out of the dozens and dozens (hundreds?) that I have attempted.  I"ll start with my favorite, and then post those not assigned to the trash bin in more or less chronological order.

August 13

August 29

This spring has been particularly lush, as evidenced by the following fence I found completely overtaken by a profusion of plants and flowers.

The next photo doesn't strictly contain flowers, but I liked the pattern of the leaves against the white fence.

My motivation level for walking has wavered since I wrote in praise of this undervalued form of physical exercise, but this little project has helped somewhat. The change of seasons should be an additional boost.  I simply don't have the heart to seek out another walking friend, but have instead been alternating between Charles Dickens (Bleak House) and Tim Keller for listening material.  Both of those sources should keep me going for the remainder of the calendar year.

If you have a favorite among the pictures I posted, please let me know, and also, if you have an idea for another series of things to photograph while I am walking, I would very much welcome your input.

I will close with the ten or so photos I took most recently.  I hope you enjoy the colors and beauty of of spring as much as I have.  

 

Comments

[Amy Smith]

The first photo, for sure, the profusely covered fence and the one two spots below it. I also like the little blue flower with yellow center peeking out between slats. I wish I knew the flower names! I believe you've done photos of coffee, desserts, house numbers and mail slots already? What about street signs, pets, interesting doors, store fronts, lamp posts, license plates, traffic signs and/or signals, public buildings, public restrooms (jk), roofs, spiders, churches? Whatever you do, don't get yourself arrested!

[Christie Wilkin]

Thanks Amy. Those ideas should keep me going, and photographing, for quite some time! And I don't think you have to worry about me getting arrested :). I really should research the flower names ...

[Aubree Keys]

Very creative! I like the 3rd and 10th ones best. And I vote for a pet picture post!

[monique nagel]

Hi Christie. What a fun project. All of your photos make me want to take a photography class! All the pics are stunning in their own way but I have two favorites. I love the lily (?) In front of the weathered wooden fence; the contrast is stricking. The second one is the photo of the white fence with the round knocker on it...with the lone blue flower playing a game of peek-a-boo!:-)

For other ideas...I didn't read the other posts so this may be a repeat. I love the photo signs that capture forms of letters in the architecture. Wouldn't it be fun to make a "wilkins" or "australia" sign for your home using photos from there? It would have so much more meaning to your family than one ordered from a catalog with generic photos! Whatever you decide, have fun!!

[Aunt Marion]

Hi Christie! All the pictures are so pretty but I'll try to pick my favourites....
(2051) Purple daisy -like , peeking from a white fence.
(1965)White fence "44" -love this one-even the steeple in the background.
(2016) Little brave blue flower peeking through.
(2239).dramatic!
What about a project with pictures unique to churches? I thought about stained glass, ends of pews,dedication plaques,etc.
There are lovely artifacs in Jewish temples. (That might be a stretch!)
Troy's suggestion is peoples shoes!! HaHa

[Annie Hofler]

Christie,

It's terribly difficult to pick a favorite! I love 2051, 1763(1), 2016, 2110, 2068 and 2221!

As for future subjects, I like your leaves as well as flowers. And textures - like the bark on trees, for example. And rocks, there are some pretty colors and patterns in rocks too.

Looking forward to your next post!

[Christie Wilkin]

I really enjoyed all of the feedback and am grateful for all of the new ideas. Thanks all!

[Margery Zeller]

I've so enjoyed following your Australian (and American vacation) adventures. Your pictures are always engaging, but this blog they are absolutely stunning!

[Laura]

Christie - I love the third photo. The angle of the camera and the contrast of the oranges and pink against the white are really great!

[whits end mom]

The apple bloosoms? are my favorite. What about photographing the alphabet--the A in the beams of the bridge, the B in the cracks in the side walk, etc. . . Or. Pick a color for a week. All things pink. Only things rainbow colored. Silver items. Or. only reflections--in windows, in mud puddles, in hubcaps, etc. . . I think I just gave my self a few idea!! Or (I have always wanted to do this) photograph the fruits of the spirit--love,joy, peace, etc. . .

[Julie]

Simply beautiful photos! I love the concept as well!

[Shanda]

I like the 3rd one down and then the one nearer the end...the sweet blue flower and the handle.
What about a series of photos looking down at your shoes, with some other feature in the photo that has to do with that day.....you could even bend down and put your iphone or cup of coffee in the pic. Pick a flower and lay it on the sidewalk, or add someone's dog go the pic. ha ha