Bloom

Hosta's in bloom. Canon EOS XSi EF 50mm f/1.4 at f/1.4 1/750 ISO 800

The sunlight hits the green and filters down to that secret place at the base of the plant.  In that place where the smell of the good earth is rich and dark the light has a character and quality that whispers of life and growth.  It is a special place.

Getting a 50mm lens with a short depth of field can instantly transform your photography.  It will set you apart from the point and shoot crowd right away.  This is the first photo that I took with my 50mm f/1.4.  The short depth of field turns the background into a beautiful blur that focuses the eye where the photographer chooses.  The colours here are more subtle but the light splashes of purple make a wonderful counterpoint to deep rich green.

-Russell Berg