Among the changing months, May stands confest
The sweetest, and in fairest colours dressed!
~James Thomson (18th century Scottish poet and playwright)

Happy May Day!

It's a shame the tradition of the May basket been largely forgotten.

I recall the baskets of my childhood: each one carefully woven from strips of construction paper and then filled with a bouquet of dandelions (I knew better than to pick from the gardens decorating our yard). I'd hang the finished masterpiece on our front door knob, ring the bell, then run and hide. Peeking from behind a tree in the front yard, I took great delight in watching my mother open the door and discover her gift.

I'm sure she never had any idea who the gift-giver might have been.

Years later when I happened to be in the south of France one May 1st, I was surprised to find a little sprig of lilacs delivered along with breakfast to my hotel room. Later, as I walked about, I saw flowers in many hands. I happily carried mine with me. I cannot speak for the rest of France, but in Cannes, May Day flowers lived on!

Whether or not it's welcomed with a basket, I love the month of May. This is my favorite time of year.

Although it looks different in the higher altitudes of Eastern Idaho than it did in other places I've lived, even here the earth manages to break into song in May. Ornamental trees bloom, green makes a comeback, and flowers begin to appear.

In May, nature photographers need not look far to find delightful subject matter. If you have gardens of your own, they can keep you busy for hours. Better yet, they're quickly changeable, as buds transform into blooms seemingly in the blink of an eye. Visit the beds often and you will be treated to a show that's always debuting something new.

No yard of your own? Live in the city? Not to worry. Find a park. Go for a walk through neighborhoods. When the world wakes up, it does so exuberantly. It isn't difficult to find buds and blooms and leaves unfurling, wherever you live.

Another option is the nearest nursery, which is bursting at the seams with color in May. Buy some plants either for your gardens or outdoor pots, but before putting them in the dirt, bring them inside and try arranging them in various configurations for still-life photography. Special lighting is not necessary. All you need is a window.

This is a great time to experiment with your camera.

Don't feel like you have to do anything with the images you make. Free your mind - and your eyes - to discover what's possible.

The word May is a perfumed word...
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

About the Photographs

I didn't leave home to make any of the images I've shared here. Some are from my yard in New Hampshire, some from Idaho. In terms of lenses I use for this type of work, I pull out quite a few, from macro to zoom as well as my LensBaby Velvet 56mm.