The Flower Essences series does sometimes slide into personification. Though I don’t think it’s a far stretch to project the act of Ringing on these Western Columbine. With one hanging from a narrow stem, flanked by two not yet open buds, the whole scene just felt like a bell vibrating as it Rings.

The composition of this triplet ringing is intensified by the slight tilt at which I shot it. This provides more of a sense of back and forth motion to the flowers dangling, while allowing you to see the stem which supports them in the background. I shot in direct sunlight to give a glistening / vibrating feel to the main flower. And didn’t mask the bottom left edge, so it’s just inside of being blown out, to heighten this energy. A generous depth of field puts most of the flower in focus, while progressively blurring the left then right buds. With the natural curvature of the crown of the Western Columbine, the entire photo resonates in the desired effect. 

So this isn’t a holiday wildflower, more early summer. But with the leaves at the top being green with red edging, and the holiday red color of the flowers and buds, sitting on a deep green background, it’s really no surprise this fine are photo of Western Columbine feels festive. So think about this piece as seasonal art for a living room mantle, front entryway, or even home office, to add a feeling of holiday cheer without the tree and holly. Because if you listen hard enough the wildflowers are Ringing and you can Hear the Bells Peeling.

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