Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Black and White…Milking it for all it’s worth

Posted: August 17, 2015 in Nature, Phoneography Challenge
Tags: , , , ,

I’m back on track after thinking that last week was the Black and White Challenge.  Time is flying by, but not quite that quickly.  However, this week really is that challenge and I’ve gone to the beauty of the milkweed, both seeds and pods, to illustrate the beauty of black and white photography.  Although the main reason to love them is that they play host to monarch butterflies, it must also be noted that milkweed leaves are poisonous and that they can spread as easily as dandelions, the latter something that might be well in the wild but not so good in your yard.

copyright janet m. webb 2014

copyright janet m. webb 2014

copyright janet m. webb 2014

Comments
  1. ledrakenoir says:

    Inspiring… 🙂

  2. Tish Farrell says:

    Just wonderful, Janet.

  3. Suzanne says:

    These are wonderful Janet – strange and mysterious

  4. Nancy Power says:

    Beautiful images! I don’t think we have these here in the UK, but I wouldn’t mind them in my garden!

  5. Lovely visual homage to a critical host for the monarch. The last image shows the texture and eloquence of the plant. Surprisingly, monochrome works well. Happy Photo Challenge.

    • Sally, I was also surprised that they turned out so well in monochrome, surprised and happy. I just got back from my walk and saw some butterflies, although these were on flowers, rather than the milkweed (not monarchs.) Such a wonderful way to start the day. 🙂

      janet

  6. Beautiful images, Janet and black and white is the perfect choice.

  7. lolaWi says:

    beautiful images, Janet! 🙂

  8. #1 The seeds seem to be flying out of the pod. This is such a special end of summer plant. Mine never seems to spread or even come back. Just goes to show not everything grows in CA
    Happy Monday
    C

    • Happy Monday to you, too, Carol. I love seeing so many of them in the parks, but I’m surprised that they don’t grow in California. As you say, it seems as if most things do.

      janet

  9. Lena says:

    So lovely Janet!

  10. LavendarLadi says:

    Breathtaking! I can almost feel their silky softness!

  11. Angeline M says:

    Truly gorgeous in black and white, Janet. Lovely!

  12. Love that you did the images in black and white, really gives an interesting quality to the photos.

  13. The black and white approach suits the milkweed very well. It really highlights all of the textures, and creates something a bit more abstract.

    • Hannah, it was an excellent surprise. I love seeing all the milkweed in the parks. It gives me hope for the not only survival, but comeback of the monarchs. Of course, I know that much of the problem lies to the south where they migrate, but from what I’ve read, things have gotten somewhat better.

      Have a great week!

      janet

  14. I was eager to see how these turned out and what a stunning result!
    Very beautiful monochrome, Janet.

  15. thirdeyemom says:

    I love milkweed. Pretty Janet

  16. Amy says:

    Beautiful shots, Janet! I haven’t seen milkweeds so far.