Yesterday morning, I conducted a “Wildflower Photography Workshop” on a local, Missouri prairie. One of the many highlights (more posts will feature other encounters we had) was the patches of Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Wild Bergamot is also known as Monarda, or bee balm, and is a familiar flower to gardeners. Monarda flowers have a pleasant scent and attract a wide range of insects, including the hummingbird moth, hummingbirds, bees and smaller insects seeking nectar. Wild Bergamot grows to 3-feet tall and tends to grow in patches along fields, borders of woods and roadsides. Wild Bergamot is a mainstay of Missouri summers. Here are a few images I captured during the workshop:
Among the many plants in full bloom, there were many buds yet to open and display their vibrant colors:
Reminder: I will be displaying/selling my artwork in the “ArtFest Midwest: The Other Art Show” this coming Saturday and Sunday, in Des Moines, Iowa. It is being held in the indoors (air conditioned) Varied Industries Building, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. If you live in, or will be in the area, stop by and say “Hi”. More details can be found here: ArtFest Midwest
Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 7D body
- Canon EF180mm, f/3.5 macro lens
- Bogen 3221 tripod, with Kirk Ent. HD ballhead
- ISO 500
- Aperture f/18 (for photos of patch) and f/3.5 (for bud opening)
- Shutter 1/250 sec. (for photo of patch) and 1/1600 sec. (for bud opening)