Photinia fraseri as a woody cut, or…

by David Perry on March 10, 2010

in Home-Grown,How We Did It

How A Photo Shoot Gone Wrong Can Still Get it Right

Woody cuts of fresh Photinia fraseri take a spill before I can get even one shot in the camera. Beauty is in the eye of the disaster.

Some days are just going to go like that. I cannot explain why, nor have I yet figured out how to avoid such days. What I can do is keep my cool, laugh at my mistakes and find a creative workaround for the mess I’ve been handed. (You can judge the results below.) Remember, a sense of humor and a willingness to rethink a project on the fly are the secrets to so many successful adventures in life, including gardens, unruly photo shoots and vases full of beautiful woody cuts.

Fresh, woody cuts of Photinia fraseri stripped of their lower leaves and bundled in vases.

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Michael Norman March 11, 2010 at 5:35 am

The things we do for pictures is a very deep understatement. Even from the likes of Dave Perry. You do know how to rub it in when you are shooting such a lush looking Spring yard and I am looking out at snow this fine March 11th day. Nice shots despite the windy conditions.

Lorene March 11, 2010 at 9:12 am

Oh David…Days can be like that, March 2010 maybe more so. My almost favorite part? You’re getting me to see Photinia fraseri in a new and beautiful light. Just PLEASE keep it away from the pink flowering cherries all over town!!! But my really, really favorite part…your chuckle at the end of the video. Thank you.

Nancy Buley March 14, 2010 at 3:15 am

David, it’s great to see what goes on “backstage” as you create your beautiful photographs. Nice salvage of a scene. Thanks for taking the time, and for having the good humor to share the shoot-gone-wrong with us.

debra March 14, 2010 at 10:28 pm

yum, yum, yum~Gotta love that photinia, Seattle’s ubiquitous ordinary shrub gets its Cinderella moment through the eyes (and lens) of Mr. Perry.
David, as always, you blow me away with your wonderful storytelling, thank you,
Deb

Kerry January 31, 2011 at 6:12 pm

I love the shot with the broken vase. It does speak volumes….

David Perry February 7, 2011 at 9:08 am

Dear Kerry, thank you for getting it and for making time to leave such a generous note.

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