Temptation      Whether you are shooting wildflowers in the field or creating still-life studio montages of edible fruits and vegetables it can be difficult if not impossible to come up with anything new. Sure, there are many different angles of perspective and creative techniques for lighting and backgrounds you could use but it seems like no matter how unique or original your concept might be it’s been done before.      By examining your subject matter closely and by using a little imagination it can be possible to transform ordinary still-life subjects or objects in nature into something more alluring and thought provoking, apart from the mundane,…into great story-telling images.      When photographing simple table fruits like this apple there’s only so much you can do to make it look interesting. You can polish it, dress it up, pair it with other fruits or try using different backgrounds and creative lighting. If someone were to look at the final image what they would likely see is just an apple.      With a little help from an amiable assistant (my pet green snake), this apple photo takes on a whole new meaning. It’s the Power of Temptation…Good vs. Evil…Once upon a time in the Garden of Eden. The use of props (even live ones) can be employed into a composition to create something new and can prove to be an effective method to bringing life and meaning to your photos. Pride of Parenthood      Shooting spring and summer wildflowers can be a welcome and enjoyable respite from everyday life;… capturing Nature’s beauty as it develops. Take time to analyze the varied shapes, colors and designs of your intended subjects. Notice their degrees of development and how they present themselves in their world. Before long you will see their stories and a theme for your composition will unfold. Images will begin to appear in your mind’s eye as you become one with your subject and your creative abilities take over.      In this example, with a little imagination (and a few plastic drinking straws and a chunk of Styrofoam to help with positioning) these three black-eyed susans become a floral “family”…two proud parents beaming over their little flower child. To the Victor,...Goes the Spoils      Finding and photographing thematic botanical images which occur naturally represents the ultimate challenge but can be the most rewarding. To discover and capture story-telling images as they unfold in nature, sometimes it pays to look closer…into the macro-world.      In nature there are little dramas and conflicts going on around us all the time. Most will go un-noticed and will never be documented. Take time to really “see” your intended subjects and use your imagination and creativity to allow their stories to be told in photographs.      In this example, a twisted section of a wild grape vine and a tiny twig becomes a triumphant victor of some epic battle proudly displaying the spoils of its labors. A contrasting background helps to focus attention on the subject and accentuate its shape and detail. "Feed Me!!"      This was a real find! The curvature of its stem and its tongue and parting “lips” were all natural, making this immature flower bud a prime candidate for a story-telling image. The thematic intention for this photo was immediately apparent. An adjustment of the camera angle was all that was required to bring this little “predator” to life. A simple flower bud becomes something reminiscent of that man-eating carnivorous plant in the movies,.. (as a child).      Learn to see your world creatively and its bounty will surely unfold. Story-telling images can be found almost anywhere within the natural realm if you take the time to seek them out and capture them. Comment on this Article May not be copied or re-printed without permission. Contact the author.