How I Met My Muse at Magnolia Part Two

“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.”

― Henri Matisse

Each year, while photographing at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, I attempt to create photographs different from those I have created in previous years. Creating new work was my intention during my five separate day-long garden trips this year.

I always begin by photographing the scenes that simply cry out to be photographed. There are so many of these in a location as aesthetically pleasing as Magnolia. Much of my time, at least during my initial trips, was spent capturing these scenes. If you missed my last blog post, you can view some of these images here.

I am passionate about completing personal projects. One thing I did while at Magnolia was create photographs for two of my personal projects.

These gorgeous flower beds were the perfect setting for this image, part of my Legacy series.  I also created another image for a series I am very excited about but have yet to release.

I spent more time looking at the structures of Magnolia than ever before. Since I had not photographed these much in previous years, I enjoyed the challenge of incorporating them into my compositions.

Regular admission to the gardens now includes the guided From Slavery to Freedom tour.  I spent some time photographing in the cabins.

I always work to find a scene I have yet to explore using my camera to showcase the beauty of these majestic trees framing the azalea blooms.

During one of my visits, my eye was drawn to the café area.  The light was leading me to my photograph.  When the light leads me, I always follow.

I spotted the subject for my favorite photograph taken at Magnolia during my first visit. Although I photographed it several times, it was only on my last visit that I captured it in the manner I wanted to. A greenhouse was located quite a distance from the area where visitors were allowed. The zoom lens I used for my garden photography did not have enough reach to frame the subject the way I wanted to frame it. During that final visit, I returned to my car and got my 100-400 mm lens to create the photograph I envisioned when I first saw the greenhouse.

I left Magnolia on that last visit, knowing I had created at least one photograph I had never made before.

I can always count on meeting my muse at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens if I give myself enough time to do so. Magnolia is a special place to me. I know my muse will always be waiting there to meet me in springtime.

I look forward to reconnecting with my muse next spring among the blooming azaleas.

If you would like to find ways to meet your muse regularly, please join Jamie Konarski Davidson and me this July for our Meet Your Muse In Raleigh Workshop.

If you would like to begin working on Personal Projects of your own, I would love for you to join me online in October for my Personal Projects Workshop.