Viola

Viola, 2010

© 2010 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

A couple of years ago, I finally remembered to photograph an out-of-the-way patch of violas while they were in bloom.  The viola is a humble plant, and some might consider it a weed because it’s so aggressive, but I always enjoy seeing these pretty little flowers in the spring.

I like how this photo showcases how elegant this modest plant can be.  I also like how the violets and blues of the single viola bloom pop against the rich green of its leaves.

Harbingers of Spring

Harbingers of Spring, 2012

© 2012 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

The complements yellow and purple comprise one of my favorite color combinations.  The colors are so intense here because I was experimenting with the saturation setting on my camera.

In most of the photos I took with a high saturation setting, particularly those taken in strong sunlight, contrast was lost as analogous colors blended together.  Shot in the shade, this photo was one of the few I thought was a keeper.  Now I know just how far I can go with the saturation setting on my camera.