Happy Fall to you all! I hope you had a summer filled with beautiful flowers and photographic opportunities. It was a busy summer for me, with lots of teaching, travel, and time with family.
Now, for some exciting learning opportunities! Registration is ongoing for those who haven't reserved a spot for the Out of Chicago Botanic Garden Conference, August 24-28, 2025. Out of Chicago Botanic brings together fourteen leading creative flower and garden photographers for an amazing conference experience. I am excited to teach alongside a fabulous line-up of instructors, including John Barclay, Sue Bishop, Chrissy Donadi, Rad Drew, Donna Eaton, Stephanie Johnson, Richard Martin, Krista McCuish, Charles Needle, Alan Shapiro, Nick Sinnott, Tony Sweet, and Beth Young.
Immerse yourself in the Chicago Botanic Garden's 385 acres with 27 individual gardens full of dahlias, roses, waterlilies, lotuses, hummingbirds, butterflies, native plants, and more. The Chicago Botanic Garden is near and dear to my heart as it is practically in my backyard, and I’ve been photographing there for over 30 years.
Late August is the perfect time to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden when the gardens are at their lushest and the summer crowds begin to diminish. You will have extensive time to wander the garden paths, practice mindfulness, see more deeply, and explore your subjects more fully, including time to work with each of our talented instructors in the field.
Visit Out of Chicago to learn more and register. Use my discount code BELMONT250CBG to receive $250 off your registration, valid until midnight CT on October 15, 2024.
I will present "Capturing the Beauty of the Winter Garden: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection" to the Lehigh Valley Photography Club on Thursday, November 21, at 7 p.m. ET. Non-members can join the webinar for a $10 fee. My photography project, initiated during the challenging winter of 2020-2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, captures the serene and subtle beauty of the winter garden. Each winter since, I have continued to develop this project, finding inspiration and solace in the stark, quiet elegance of the season.
In the Midwest, winter presents unique challenges for a flower photographer. The usual vibrant subjects fade, and conservatories and greenhouses, once my sanctuaries, were closed during the early pandemic. Faced with limited indoor options, I ventured outdoors. This change forced me to rearrange my thinking, embrace winter's harshness, and discover a new perspective on my subjects. My unexpected transformation began as I opened my eyes to the beauty of plants and flowers in their dormant state. Winter's adversity revealed resilient subjects, rich with stories and metaphors. The muted tones of the winter landscape offered a calming and restful palette, contrasting with the dynamic colors of other seasons. My newfound appreciation for this quieter beauty inspired me to delve into the concept of wintering—embracing the need to slow down, rest, and reflect. This project took on even deeper meaning as I faced my own battle with breast cancer last year. The resilience I observed in nature mirrored my personal journey, offering me strength and insight. My work became a testament to enduring hardship and finding beauty in stillness and survival.
My presentation aims to inspire you to see the winter garden in a new light. I will share:
• Field Technique: Practical tips on photographing winter subjects, including composition, light, and equipment.
• Creative Vision: Insights on seeing beauty in muted tones and dormant plants.
• Emotional Connection: How to connect with the subjects emotionally, finding stories and metaphors in their resilience.
You can register for this webinar at the Lehigh Valley Photography Club website. I hope you will join me for this opportunity to see winter a little differently!
My best to you all! Enjoy the beauty of fall—the crisp, cool temperature and vibrant colors. As always, if you need help with Lensbaby purchases, email me at annebelmontphotography@gmail.