It has been a very productive week, photographically speaking.
You have likely already seen the post from earlier this week with some floral work. While, the peonies have been coming into bloom around the city so I thought it was time to hit up the Forestry Farm to see what state they were in. Thankfully, the way that they grow there they can be enjoyed for a much longer time because of the varying light. Their variety of locations mean that for much longer period of time some of them are in bloom. In fact, because of the abundance of shade, I was a bit early compared to other plants I had seen in the city.
There were a very few that had opened up so my options were limited but the winged insects that pollinate and the ants that cause them to bloom were very cooperative while I was there. Obviously they are beautiful when they have opened up but before that time, when they are a tight sphere of petals, I find them very intriguing, as well.
This session for the peonies was organized under a new group I've begun on Facebook, Unlimited Photographers of Saskatoon, originally beginning with the support of the CPA. The point of the group is to provide regular and frequent opportunities for photographers with mobility disabilities to join others in unhindered photo excursions. One of the most frustrating things about being a disabled photographer is when your struggles to make a great photo are twice what they should be because of difficulty getting to where you want to be or setting up or framing the photo because of that disability. It should be about working the photo and practicing skills to make better photos, not spending time and energy on getting to where you want to be, if it's even possible to get where you want at all.
There are not a lot of fully accessible places to go in Saskatoon but it is the group's aim to make those opportunities available for the places that are accessible. The group is not limited to people with disabilities. Probably more than half of the members are able bodied. Just know, if you request to join it, that our locations may not be as exciting as you would like, but they are locations that will not hinder us. Of course, having an able-bodied person around to give a hand, should it be needed, is always helpful and appreciated.
Next up is a photo I have been meaning to make for a long time. I have been wanting to emphasize the sheen on Kiwi's coat when she has been freshly groomed and is soft and shiny. In addition to that, I have wanted to her to give me one of the over the shoulder looks that she sometimes gives. Her positioning was essential to emphasize the sheen on her black fur, and not the white. Of course, those looks that she gives are almost always followed a split second later by her spinning around when we get her attention. Today was not much different, but she cooperated fairly well for me, with Angie's help.
Finally, who could forget that our precious Fiona turned 10 months old today? As cute as ever, she cooperated wonderfully with her sweet recent trick of hugging her stuffed toys. We couldn't decide between the green monkey I bought for Kiwi to play with a long time ago or the bunny from grandma and grandpa for Easter. We went with the bunny because I wanted to use some pastel lights which would match the patterns on the toy.
The final photo is your classic outtake. She was getting a little bit restless but still behaving in hilarious ways. At this point she was more interested in standing up on the couch and looking out the window. I got one shot of her looking back at me while standing, but she is so busy the focus was off so I cannot share it here. :-)
