Summary

Erika Burkhalter showcases the beauty of Iberis umbellata through macrophotography using a Nikon Z9 and 105mm macro lens, capturing the intricate details of the garden candytuft as it blooms in spring.

Abstract

The website content features a photo essay by Erika Burkhalter, a yogi, neurophilosopher, and photographer, who captures the emergence and blooming process of the Iberis umbellata, also known as garden candytuft. The essay includes a series of high-quality macro photographs that illustrate the transformation of the plant's buds into full bloom, highlighting the importance of pollination by bees. Burkhalter uses her work to express her love for nature and encourages readers to appreciate the glories of Mother Earth. She also invites her audience to subscribe to her stories on Medium and consider purchasing her photographs. Additionally, she acknowledges the work of fellow photographer Ian Hanson, who also uses the Nikon Z9 and 105mm macro lens.

Opinions

Burkhalter views the garden candytuft as regal resting places for bees and butterflies.
She describes the buds of the plant as "tiny violet balls" that open to reveal individual blooms.
The author conveys a sense of wonder and enchantment with nature, referring to the plant's blooms as "royal cushions" and imagining fairy umbrellas in their form.
Burkhalter appreciates the pollination process, noting the sprinkling of golden stamen dust as bees carry away pollen.
She suggests a connection between her photography and the broader context of supporting the arts and writing on Medium.
The author expresses excitement about the creative potential of the Nikon Z9 and 105mm macro lens in the hands of fellow photographer Ian Hanson.

Nature Photography, Gardening

Ibiris Umbellata Macrophotography

Zooming in on Garden Tandytuft with a Nikon Z9 and the Nikon 105mm macro lens

Every spring, they emerge from the cold winter earth looking, for all the world, like little cushions made for the most royal of the the bees and the butterflies fluttering through my garden to rest their weary wings upon.

“A Royal Cushion.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

A feast for the eyes, as well as for the pollinators, those tiny buds — nestled so tightly together at first — begin to open their hearts to the sun.

Within each tiny violet ball lies an individual bloom.

And with each tender caress of tiny feet, the Garden Tandytuft pollen is carried away on the back legs of the bees and golden stamen dust begins to sprinkle across the petals.

Layer by layer, the buds spring open.

“Layer by layer.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

A crown of flowers dances upon the breeze.

“A crown of flowers.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

An umbrella for the fairies? I think I might hear the scampering of wee folk.

“An Umbrella for the tiny folk.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

And Garden Candytuft bloom in snowy white as well.

Erika Burkhalter is a yogi, neurophilosopher, cat-mom, photographer, and lover of travel and nature, spreading her love and amazement for Mother Earth’s glories, one photo, poem or story at a time. (MS Neuropsychology, MA Yoga Studies).

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Ian Hanson, this one is for you. I’m excited to know a fellow photographer with the new Nikon Z9 and the 105mm macro lens and I can’t wait to see the beauty you will create!