2022 Global Stamp graces the cover of Linn’s Stamp News

My friend Jay Bigalke is the editor-in-chief of Linn’s Stamp News and just shared this cover with my 2022 global stamp on the latest issue of the magazine! Learn more about the publication at www.linns.com.

Stamp featured in The American Philatelist

My Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens stamp made the cover of the August issue of The American Philatelist and was featured inside as well. Thanks for the exposure and my copies, Jay Bigalke (editor and designer of the magazine)!

National Park Service commemorative Forever stamps unveiled in NYC

Here’s the official photo for the National Park Service commemorative stamp panel unveiling (June 2, 2016 in NYC at the World Stamp Show). Left to right: Karina Helmuth, granddaughter of artist Helmuth Naumer; John Funderburk photographer of the Gulf Islands Seashore Heron Stamp; Matt Dieterich, photographer of Mount Rainier National Park Stamp; Peggy O’Dell, Deputy Director for Operations, National Parks Service. Megan Brennan, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer, USPS; Richard Uluski, VP, Area Operations Northeast Area, USPS; Ethel Kessler, Art Director;  and Cindy Dyer, Photographer of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Stamp.

NEW YORK — Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan helped the National Park Service celebrate its 100th anniversary with the dedication of the pane of 16 National Parks Forever stamps on June 2, 2016. The first-day-of-issue ceremony took place in New York City at the World Stamp Show NY 2016, which is the world’s largest stamp show and is only held once a decade in the United States. “The men and women of the National Park Service preserve public treasures that extend beyond the stunning vistas and habitat for wildlife that we associate with our National Parks. They provide public places for recreation, they manage museums and historical estates, and they maintain our most famous monuments,” said Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan in dedicating the stamps. “The National Park Service exemplifies our collective desire to preserve our connection to the land, nature and our heritage, and to maintain what we find beautiful in our world for the benefit of future generations. And the US Postal Service is honored to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service through the issuance of 16 stamps commemorating America’s National Park System.” “This beautiful stamp series showcases the variety of national parks available for all to enjoy,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Peggy O’Dell who joined Brennan in the dedication ceremony. “From a small oasis in the nation’s capital to the wild splendor of Alaska, with beaches and historic sites and natural wonders in between, the stamps represent parks of all shapes and sizes. We hope the stamps encourage everyone to Find Your Park during the centennial.” National Parks Stamps As part of the ceremony, a live satellite broadcast of the simultaneous special dedication ceremony taking place at Assateague Island National Seashore’s Barrier Island visitor’s center in Berlin, MD, was viewed by the crowd of 500 witnessing the New York City event.

A burst of color on this very gray day…

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Cloudspotting

Perhaps it’s the lack of tall buildings to block the view, or maybe the weather patterns are different in the region, but the skies in Texas are just spectacular (and nearly every day they offer up something worth photographing!). I shot a plethora of sky vistas and cloud formations while I was in Texas for my niece’s wedding in October. This one caught my eye in the parking lot outside a Vietnamese restaurant in San Antonio. I immediately saw a face and thought, “Einstein!” I shared the image with my FB friends and the conversation took flight. My favorite response was from my FB friend and fellow blogger, Erik Gauger. He described in detail what he saw and then used his creative skills to bring the figure to life. (FYI, I’ve blogged about Erik’s gorgeous, award-winning photography/narrative/nature/travel website, but in case you missed it, check it out here: http://www.notesfromtheroad.com/)

iPhone 6, processed in Snapseed © Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Photography featured on Nikon website again!

So exciting! My photography is featured on the Nikon website again in their Learn & Explore series. Check the feature out below:

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/article/ic7egnag/one-shot-stamps-of-approval.html

The Traveling Water Lilies Forever Stamps Project / Installment #11

For Installment #11, at the top we have my friends Gay White (Little Rock, AR) and her sister Wanda Titterington (O’Fallon, IL), and friend/fellow photographer Ruth Ann Lowery (Arlington, VA).

My friend Betty Ferguson continues to recruit stamp collectors, beginning with Joanne, Joey, Leonard, Mary, Sue #1 and Sue #2, and Tom (all from Denton, TX).

THE ONES TO BEAT TO WIN A FREE GALLERY-WRAP CANVAS: Sue Cummings Titterington (27), Betty Ferguson (24), Steve Stroupe (14), Kathy Muchemore (7), Judy Schefcick Martin (7), Martha Biz (7), and James F. Williams (5).

The Traveling Water Lilies Forever Stamps Project / Installment #10

Thanks to all the participants who continue to submit to my “Traveling Water Lilies Forever Stamps Project.”

For Installment #10, my friend Betty Ferguson continues to recruit stamp collectors: this time, her “grandbiscuits” Cameron (Fort Worth, TX), Brian (Fort Worth, TX) and Chase (Denton, TX).

My FB friend Diane Berkenfeld sent her trusty gnome out for the task (Melville, NY).

The next 14 fine folks (including two from “across the (water lily) pond!) were collected by my FB friend (that guy in the water lily baseball cap) Steve Stroupe (McCalla, AL): Ellery Curtis (Hoover, AL), Charlie Curtis (Hoover, AL), Olivia Curtis (Hoover, AL), Steve’s son Daniel Stroupe (Tuscaloosa, AL), Motel McCready (Gulf Shores, AL), Karen Thatcher (Indianpolis, IN), Sonia Cruz (San Antonio, TX), Trevor Cole (Manea, England), Tammy Craver (Atlanta, GA), Nymphaea ‘Colorado’ (College Station, TX), Viktoria Clark (Chatteris, England), Nelumbo ‘Maggie Bell Slocum’ (Franklin, NC) and Joseph Dewberry (New Market, TN).

Rounding out Installment #10 is my friend Marisa Sarto (Los Angeles, CA).

Save the date—Saturday, July 11

DC/VA/MD FRIENDS! Mark your calendars for the annual Lotus Asian Cultural Festival at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens on Saturday, July 11.

http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm

FOR MY PHOTOGRAPHER FRIENDS: the gardens open at 7:00 a.m. (yes, that’s early but it’s also most likely to be less crowded AND a tiny bit cooler temp-wise). Parking gets very tight during the festival so come early.

JOIN ME FOR SOME PHOTO TIPS! I’ll be giving a brief photo workshop/tips & tricks session from 9:00-9:30ish.

THE FESTIVAL officially kicks off at 10:00, followed by a Water Lilies Stamp Dedication Ceremony at about 10:20.

BUY SOME STAMPS! The USPS will have a mobile postal store by the curb at the entrance to the park where they will be selling the Water Lilies Forever Stamps (in case your local post office doesn’t have them available). Be sure to buy some, take a selfie holding them and send them to me via email or FB so you can be part of my ever-growing Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamps Project!

A HEAD’S UP: Water lilies and Lotus like to bloom during the HOTTEST period of summer, so dress cool, wear a hat, bring water, cover yourself in sunscreen and stay cool!

The Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamps Project / Installment #9

Thanks to all the participants who continue to submit to my “Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamps Project.”

For Installment #9, we have my cousin Brandi Fletcher (Atlanta, GA); my cousin Deanna Jones‘ cousin Kay Carr and her husband James (Vernon, AL); my friend David Loethen‘s kids Bess, Emma and Noah visiting Rehoboth Beach, DE (Kansas City, MO); friends vacationing in Key West: Kevin Muchemore (San Antonio, TX), his daughter-in-law Chantell (Benton, LA), Chantell’s daughters Alissa and Brooklee, Kevin’s wife Kathy Muchemore (San Antonio, TX), her son Isaac and his wife Breanne, (Boston, MA), and Kevin’s sister Kelly and her husband Greg (Omaha, NE); and Jodi Thompson Pridgen (Fitzgerald, GA), wife of Jacob Pridgen, my cousin Gary Pridgen‘s son. The next 11 stamp-happy folks were recruited by my industrious friend Betty Ferguson (Denton, TX), while she was recently visiting her hometown of Takoma, WA—Stephen, Carrie, Brian, Beau, Ken, Meredith, Mitch, Barb, Blanche and Janet. And last, but certainly not least—my friend, deputy director of Hearing Loss Association of America, editor of Hearing Loss Magazine, hostess extraordinaire and Sneezeguard Heiress Barbara Kelley! (Great Falls, VA) (Check out Barbara’s entertaining blog at www.kelleyhospitalitycom)

Monarch on zinnia

Just uncovered this never-before-shared gem from my archives—overlooked in the cull of hundreds of butterfly images from the Wings of Fancy exhibit at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD a few years ago.

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

The Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamps Project / Installment #7

Thanks to all the participants who continue to submit to my “Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamps Project.”

For Installment #7, we have (hairy) Harry White (Little Rock, AR); friend Betty Ferguson (Denton, TX); Ashley Polk-Sutherlin (owner/artist at Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery, Little Rock, AR); Dolly Parton (Pigeon Forge, TN), new FB friend Paula Biles, owner of About the Lotus, http://www.aboutthelotus.com/ (Bradenton, FL); owner/artist Stephano Sutherlin of Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery (Little Rock, AR); Eual (Hoquiam, WA); Harry & his mother, Gay White​—my friend Sue Cummings‘ aunt and Former First Lady of Arkansas—(Little Rock, AR); friend Debbi and her brother Paul (South Pittsburg, TN); friends Joe and Karen Wyatt (Alexandria, VA); friend and fellow Emmylou Harris fan Jim Slattery​ (Washington, D.C.); garden and lifestyle TV personality/author P. Allen Smith at his Moss Mountain Farm outside Little Rock, AR; Lori (Tacoma, WA); Marge (Hoquiam, WA); friends Pam, Nancy and Ft Eyre​ (Hot Springs Village, AR) at Moss Mountain Farm this past week; friend and fellow photographer Alex Solla (Trumansburg, NY); Teddy (at Moss Mountain Farm in AR); friend and HLAA member Molly Corum​ (Tampa, FL); and finally—during his whirlwind trip around the world in Great Britain, Paris and Italy (without even leaving Vegas!)—my longtime friend (met him in the first days of AOL a gazillion years ago!) Bret Keisling​ (Harrisburg, PA)

If you’d like to participate, head to your post office and request the Water Lily Forever Stamps, then photograph yourself (or your dog/kids/significant other) with the stamps and email me at dyerdesign@aol.com or post on my FB page!

The Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamp Project / Installment #6

Thanks to all the participants who continue to submit to my “Traveling Water Lily Forever Stamps Project.”

For Installment #6, we have Dan (Texas) who happens to be wearing a really cool shirt with giant koi on it (how’s that for a nod to ponds?); my cousin Deanna (Georgia); my friend Hollace (Maryland); Joni (Couers Fleurs Farm in Kentucky)—I met Joni’s brother, Gary, when I was photographing one morning at Kenilworth and now I’m FB friends with him, Joni and her husband, Ed (all of whom have beautiful gardens that I want to photograph); Tammy (Georgia)—who is my cousin Deanna’s best friend AND, after some family history research last year, I have discovered that Tammy’s husband Darrell is actually my cousin, so that makes Tammy not just a friend but a cousin-in-law! (Is there such a thing?); Tammy used the stamps today on mail for their family business, Merritt Heating & Cooling; and last, but certainly not least, Elizabeth (Texas).

Waterlily stamps features in Washington Post gardening column today!

(Reposting due to glitch in link!)

Author Adrian Higgins writes about his pond and references the waterlily stamps in today’s gardening column in the Washington Post! Click on the link below to read the entire column.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/is-having-a-fish-pond-worth-the-effort-yes/2015/04/07/3726c5b8-d8b5-11e4-8103-fa84725dbf9d_story.html

It’s that time again! Revisiting “How to Grow Your Garden Photography Skills”

It’s that time again! Time to get out your camera (and your macro lens, if you’re fortunate to have one!) and get out in the garden to start capturing images of early spring flowers. (And if you don’t have a tripod, please get one. As much as you may not like toting one around, they are instrumental in capturing really sharp macro images; trust me on this!)

In my front yard garden, I already have purple crocus in bloom and the Hellebores have been blooming since February (hardy and eager plants, those Hellebores!). The tulips will probably be in bloom in a couple of weeks.

In September 2011 I was interviewed and featured on the Nikonusa.com website about photographing gardens. Since the weather is getting warmer every day and early spring flowers are making their appearance in our part of the country, I thought I’d share the article and accompanying photos with you again! Click on the link below:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/gr35ffdt/all/How-To-Grow-Your-Garden-Photography-Skills.html

Water lily stamps debut in Ohio on March 20

Last week my water lily FOREVER stamps were unveiled at the Garfield-Perry March Stamp Show in Cleveland, Ohio. First photo: digital postmark first day covers and booklet of stamps; second photo: autographed program and cancelled stamps from First Day Ceremony: autographed by Jay Bigalke, American Philatelic Society, Editor of The American Philatelist; Paul Davis from U.S. Postal Service, who sang the National Anthem; Harold Chapman, President of the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club, who gave the welcome; remarks by Cynthia Druckenbord, Vice President of the Cleveland Botanical Garden; (then me!); and then Melvin J. Anderson, U.S. Postal Service Northern Ohio District Manager, and I got to unveil a giant poster with the water lily stamps (Third photo, shot by my dear friend Michael Powell).

The water lily stamps are available in booklet form at post offices across the U.S. You can also order them online.

Stamps in Booklet Form: LINK

First Day Covers (set of four): LINK

First Day Digital Color Postmark (set of four): LINK

Water Lilies DCP Keepsake (four digital color envelopes and stamp book): LINK

Water Lilies Press Sheet (with and without die cuts): LINK

Water Lilies Stamped Envelopes with Seals: LINK

Water Lilies Framed Stamps: LINK

Another shameless plug for my waterlily stamps!

Here’s a cool statistic that I just learned from the USPS PR man—normally they print stamps in quantities of 40-50 million.

They’re printing my waterlily stamps in a quantity of HALF A BILLION—500 million stamps, which usually only happens with their holiday stamps. He said flowers tend to sell particularly well so they’re hoping this is the case with these.

So, on that note, go out and buy a book of 20 on March 20 (when the stamps make their official debut across the US)! You’ll make the USPS (and me) very happy indeed. (And no, I don’t get a cut of sales, in case you’re wondering!)

http://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2015/pb22409/html/info_004.htm

My waterlily stamps debut in March!

Look what I just found! The Garfield-Perry March Party stamp show will host the First Day Ceremony for my four waterlily FOREVER stamps on Friday, March 20 at 11:00 am. The show is March 19-21 in Cleveland, Ohio. Guess who’s planning a road trip to Cleveland in March?

http://www.linns.com/news/breaking-stamp-news/1049/Special-Olympics-Robert-Robinson-Taylor-Martin-Ramirez-stamps-to-be-issued-in-2015

Images available on Iconella Arts

David Von Metz’s site, Iconella Arts, has four of my botanical images for sale. I’ve seen them printed and they are stunning (if I do say so myself). From the site: “Our archival pigment print is produced on heavyweight (300 gsm) fine-textured watercolor paper, made from 100% cotton fiber, archival-certified for 100+ years, acid and lignin free.” Check them out here:

http://www.iconella.com/collectio…/artist/Artist:-Cindy-Dyer

2014: A Visual Recap

I’ve picked one photo from each month of blogging in 2014 to recap the year visually (starting with December 2014 and working my way back to January 2014). Now here’s to 2015—hoping it is another year of immense creativity, staying connected to family, nurturing friendships both near and far and old and new, growing my graphic design and photography business in fresh and challenging directions, continuing to dust off my rusty sketching and painting skills, decluttering my physical space, communing with nature, photographing more flowers and bugs, updating my garden with quirky and photogenic new plants, hitting the road in search of adventure (and fresh photographs), honing my writing craft, acquiring new skills and learning something new every day.

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Drumroll, please—more USPS stamps coming!

The USPS just posted a sneak preview today of my waterlily stamps on their Facebook page! The stamps will be available in booklet form at post offices country-wide sometime in 2015. Read more about the waterlily stamps here:

http://uspsstamps.com/stamps/water-lilies

On Assignment: Rooftop terrace #2

This is the second rooftop terrace, photographed a few weeks ago for a client. This terrace has a view of both the Capitol building and the Washington Monument!

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

On location: Rooftop terrace

A few weeks ago, I photographed two beautiful new terraces on the top of an association client’s building. If I worked at this place, I’d find it awfully hard to come back inside after a lunch on the rooftop! This is the smaller of the two terraces…photos of the larger one to come…

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Announcing the debut of www.cindydyerphotography.com

After more than two weeks of digging through my photo archives and trying not to overload my web designer, we have finally launched my photography-only website. I love, love, love it! And for those of you who know me personally, don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces in the FACES and LIFESTYLE categories. Thank you for being lovely subjects for my lens through the years.

Thanks to Ian Wright for doing such a spectacular job of organizing things and bringing this site to life with all his web magic.

Thanks to William Lee for composing a beautiful instrumental piece to complement the opening slide show.

And thanks to my blogging friend, author Barbara Sullivan, for helping me condense my “bio/novella” to something that wouldn’t put my viewers to sleep.

Be sure to click on FREEBIES at the top, hand over your name and email address (I won’t overload your in-box, I promise), sign up for my free quarterly photography newsletter, and download a free 16-page “How to photograph your garden” pdf. Enjoy!

www.cindydyerphotography.com

Reminder: Green Spring Gardens Fall Fest

I’ll have a booth at the Green Spring Gardens Fall Fest on Saturday, September 13, 9 am – 4:30 pm. Stop by and see my botanical images. Below are just some of the many colorful greeting cards I’ll be selling.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/

Summer shower

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

White water lily

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Interview on Our Stories and Perspectives blog

I was recently interviewed for the blog, “Our Stories and Perspectives,” by Dominic Lodato, a summer intern for the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division. I was very happy with the results and wanted to share it with my readers!

Cindy Dyer: A Photographer at Green Spring

Published! Talking Pictures column in Shutterbug Magazine

Check out page 20 of the July 2014 issue of Shutterbug Magazine (which will be out in the early part of June)! Barry Tanenbaum, who also profiled me for the NikonUsa.com website a few years ago (click here for that how-to article in their Learn & Explore series), wrote about the story behind my USPS Fern stamp series coming to fruition in his monthly column, Talking Pictures. The creative director did a beautiful job on the layout, too. I’ve read Shutterbug Magazine since (covered wagon) college days, so it’s an honor to be profiled in a magazine that has been a great resource for me. Thanks, Barry and Shutterbug Magazine!

The stamps are only available online. You can purchase them in 2 strips of 10 for $9.80 or a strip of 25 for $12.25. Click here to order.

My fern images are now available as FOREVER stamps!

BIG NEWS!

https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDown.jsp?productId=S_777304

Originally issued as 49 cent stamps on Jan. 27, my fern stamps are now available (online only) as FOREVER stamps! You can purchase them in 2 strips of 10 @ $9.80 or a strip of 25 @ $12.25. First day covers are also available. Order by clicking on the above link.

 

Stack ‘o gulls

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Revisiting “How to Grow Your Garden Photography Skills”

It’s (almost) that time again! Time to get out your camera (and your macro lens, if you’re fortunate to have one!) and get out in the garden to start capturing images of early spring flowers. (And if you don’t have a tripod, please get one. As much as you may not like toting one around, they are instrumental in capturing really sharp macro images; trust me on this!)

In my front yard garden, I already have purple crocus in bloom and the Hellebores have been blooming since February (hardy and eager plants, those Hellebores!). The tulips will probably be in bloom in a couple of weeks. Even though spring officially started this past Thursday, apparently Mother Nature has different ideas for us—snow is predicted for our area this coming Tuesday! (UG)

Two years ago I was interviewed and featured on the Nikonusa.com website about photographing gardens. Since the weather is getting warmer every day and early spring flowers are making their appearance in our part of the country, I thought I’d share the article and accompanying photos with you again! Click on the link below:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/gr35ffdt/all/How-To-Grow-Your-Garden-Photography-Skills.html

Published: The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2014 All-Seasons Garden Guide

Just received a copy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac  2014 All-Seasons Garden Guide. My photograph of yellow ‘Sweet Laura’ Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria) is on page 75 in the “Northeast Ornamentals” section. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been published since 1792, making it North America’s oldest continuously published periodical. Pretty cool!

Snow falling on crabapples (view from my kitchen)

(Doesn’t sound quiet as poetic as that book, Snow Falling on Cedars, does it?)

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Drum roll, please! First Day Covers of my Fern stamps now available from USPS!

https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?productId=S_790816&categoryId=subcatC_CP_FDCs

From the archives: Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

A sampling of photos taken at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens over the past few years

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

After the rain…

Raindrops on Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) leaves, Green Spring Gardens

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Blooming in my garden today: Daffodils

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

 

Winter 2013 Celebrate Home Magazine now available for digital download!

The winter 2013 issue of Celebrate Home Magazine is now available for digital download in the links below. Click on either of the links below to download your FREE pdf copy of this issue. The first links is for single-page viewing (perfect for printing off your favorite recipe!); the second link is set up for “reader spreads,” so you can see the magazine in spread format (my favorite!). Below are just some excerpts from our latest issue! Stay tuned for our spring issue, which will be CHOCK FULL of gardening-related features and crafts.

The more clicks we get, the better we do with promoting and getting advertising! We thank you for your support!

SINGLE PAGES PDF HERE: Celebrate Home Winter 2013 

READER SPREADS PDF HERE: Celebrate Home Winter 2013 Spreads

Click here to view on issuu.com.

Purchase a beautiful print copy at cost plus shipping:

http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/513977

On the cover: Gladys Roldan-de-Moras, award-winning Impressionist painter from San Antonio, Texas

In this issue:

FEATHER YOUR NEST
Winter-inspired lovelies for you and your home.

HOME
Delicious Pops of Color
Easy on the eyes, the Hedstrom house takes advantage of light-filled views with clean lines and engaging color.

FAMILY
Living the Fairy Tale: To Quit or Not to Quit?
Mothers share their struggles with jobs and families.

FOOD & ENTERTAINING
Bowls of Comfort
Take the chill out of winter with our filling soup recipes!

A Wintertime Dessert Party
Pair wine and desserts for elegant and easy entertaining.

Green Chicken: Creating a Family Heirloom Cookbook
Create a cookbook that cherishes family recipes.

The Many Seasons of Beer
Beer aficionado Jefferson Evans explores the world of seasonal brews.

THE ARTIST
Gladys Roldan-de-Moras, Impressionist Painter
Always proud of her Colombian and Mexican roots, this artist’s passion is reflected in her colorful work.

HOW-TO
Winter Photography Indoors
Stay indoors to photograph nature this winter.

PETS
How Much is That Doggie in the Window? Choosing the Family Pup
Think you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family? Here are some things to consider.

THE CREATIVE LIFE
Every Picture Tells a Story
Discover five tips for decorating your walls with original art.

THE COLLECTOR
Bejeweled: Camilla Houghton’s Unique Ring Collection
What started as a gift exchange between two sisters expanded into a beloved collection of rings.

CRAFT
Ring Bling Box
Give your rings a new home with our easy craft project.

PERSPECTIVES
What Home Means to Me

 

The Garden Muse Portfolio goes to print!

Dear MagCloud, I take back every awful thing I thought about you last night (including the sailor-worthy words I uttered under my breath). I still think you should have official tech support (phone support, perhaps, and I’d gladly pay by the minute for it), but in the end, my case worker, Adriana, was a big help via e-mail (even if it appeared I was hell bent on proving her wrong). In one e-mail, Adriana wrote: “Also, the images on that file are stunningly beautiful. I’m sure when you are done, this will be a stellar piece. Hang in there.” (Thanks for that, Adriana—your comment cheered me up until I got frustrated again.)

I wrote about MagCloud on this blog here in 2009 and here in 2010. This is the first time I’ve taken the time to work on a project to try out the service.

Despite my repeated attempts to upload what I thought was a properly-prepared file, I was met with the same *&#)*!@&#)!# error message every time. I was using their template that I had downloaded for this size and was told later by Adriana that they discontinued the template so I shouldn’t use it (did I miss that meeting?). I read the pdf preparation file that Adriana e-mailed me so I could amend my template to their exact specs. I created seven different files, all with the same end result. Eventually I resorted to exporting four page simple test pages just to prove my theory that it couldn’t possibly be me causing these latest problems. After a while, I started naming things like: magtestone.pdf, magtesttwo.pdf, final.pdf, finalfinal.pdf, reallyfinalfinal.pdf, thisisthelastoneIswear.pdf, Igiveupmylifeisover.pdf, magcloudyouareonmylastnerve.pdf, Illneverbeaselfpublisher.pdf and magcloudpleaseletmeinorIwillunpostallthoseglowingreviewsaboutyou.pdf. I briefly contemplated assigning a file name that would make even my toes curl, but I figured the system would spit it back at me for being so unladylike.

After a day to reflect, run errands and come back with fresh eyes, I figured out what I was doing wrong. It was a very simple little step that I had overlooked—do not click on “spreads” when you’re outputting the pdf for MagCloud. If you do, you will be informed (repeatedly) that page 1 is okay but the other pages aren’t the same size (which sounds completely insane because it is the same file). You will also be told that your bleeds are not correct. That one stupid mistake kept me up until 2:00 a.m., then I finally waved the white flag.

The file is now uploaded and I’ll receive my sample copy sometime next week. I’m crossing my fingers that it looks as good in print as it looks in the file! I already know the quality of their paper and printing is great—I’ve bought sample magazines in the past. It’s a great way to publish a magazine with very little investment (more time than money, actually)—no need to go to a traditional printer to get a decent-looking publication with this print-on-demand option. I paid an extra buck for it to be perfect bound rather than saddle-stitched (due to the number of pages). I may even open the publication up for purchase if it meets my quality control standards.

I’ve scattered some of my favorite gardening quotes through the 88-page document and have identified all the images by their print name, common flower/plant name and the Latin name. All of these images are either in the current exhibit or will be for sale at the reception on April 15. I may expand the publication (as if it isn’t long enough) and include garden photography tips as well before I offer it for sale in the MagCloud store.

If you’re in the D.C./Northern Virginia area, just skip, sashay, slink, saunter or skidaddle on over to the Horticulture Center at Green Spring Gardens from now until April 29. If you’re in the mood for great appetizers (courtesy of Kelley Hospitality), good company and photographic eye candy (who doesn’t love flowers and bugs?), join me at the reception on April 15 from 1-3 p.m. Since the show runs until April 29, you’ll have plenty of time to see it! For more details, visit my show website here.

For now, I hope you enjoy the cover and the first 16 pages (I’ll just be over here in the corner…wearing my dunce cap).

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Revisiting “How to grow your garden photography skills”

It’s (almost) that time again! Time to get out your camera (and your macro lens, if you’re fortunate to have one!) and get out in the garden to start capturing images of early spring flowers. (And if you don’t have a tripod, please get one. As much as you may not like toting one around, they are instrumental in capturing really sharp macro images; trust me on this!)

In my front yard garden, I already have Crocus and Tulips in bloom, and the Hellebores have been blooming since late January (hardy and eager plants, those Hellebores!).

This past fall I was interviewed and featured on the Nikonusa.com website about photographing gardens. Since the weather is getting warmer every day and early spring flowers are making their appearance in our part of the country, I thought I’d share the article and accompanying photos with you again! Click on the link below:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/gr35ffdt/all/How-To-Grow-Your-Garden-Photography-Skills.html

Garden Muse Show: Random Dozen

My photography exhibit, titled “Garden Muse: A Botanical Portfolio,” is up and ready for viewing at the Horticulture Center at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria, VA. All images are for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Green Spring Gardens’ FROGS program (Friends of Green Spring Gardens).

The exhibit runs February 28-April 29, 2012, so there’s plenty of time to come see it if you’re in the Virginia/D.C. area or are planning to visit this spring. The reception is Sunday, April 15 from 1-3 p.m. So set aside your taxes (if you’re not already done with them at that point!) and come join me at the reception for some mingling, delicious appetizers (catering by Barbara Kelley of Kelley Hospitality) and refreshments. There will be additional framed images, matted-only images and greeting cards for sale during the reception. And please don’t forget to sign my guest book!

Show website: http://www.gardenmuseshow.com/

Directions: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/directions.htm

Below is collage of just a dozen of the images (out of a whopping total of 74!) featured in the show. All images are matted and framed and eight images are gallery wrapped canvases that range from 18″x24″ up to 20″x30″ in size. If you’ve never had your best photos transferred to canvas, don’t get started on it. It is highly addictive and quite pricey, but the results are so spectacular that you’ll have a hard time resisting the pull. And the larger you go, the higher the price (and the bigger the smile, too). Intervention, anyone?

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I just found out that the Washington Post listed the exhibit in their online “Going Out Guide,” and I have five reviews online so far!

“Impressive—This is by far the best exhibit I have seen at Green Spring Gardens. This is a coup for them. Of course, Fairfax County Parks are the best. But this show tops everything. Nature captured!”

“This Will Make You Smile—This is macro photography at its best. Ms. Dyer manages to inspire smiles from her deeply colorful and sometimes playful images of nature. A burst of color fills the room. Green Spring Gardens must be very pleased to have this exhibit.”

“Incredible Color—This exhibit grabs you as you walk in the building. Don’t miss the images on canvas! Absolutely beautiful. I have so many favorites! The detail, color, composition of every one of these images is fantastic. This show is not to be missed!”

“Wow…I mean…wow.—I’m a photographer who had a show in the same space a couple of years back and seeing what Ms. Dyer did with her show blew my mind. It is a gorgeous display of nature photography. Just a joy to see.”

“A Feast for the Eyes and a Lift for the Soul—This photographic show is an exhibit of beautifully-composed macro-photography of plants and insects. The flowers are lovely and a riot of color and composition. Many of the photographs were taken in Green Spring Garden Park. I loved it and I am recommending it to my friends!”

“Excellent Photographer—I have been waiting to see this exhibit for weeks! Lovers of nature, botany and excellent photography will not be disappointed.”

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Garden Muse: A Botanical Portfolio—the time has finally arrived!

Whew…that was a lot of work! On Monday I had the help with the installation from some very dear friends. Mega thanks to Tom and Holly for loading up their van with nearly all of the pieces (we only had three boxes that wouldn’t fit), taking them over to Green Spring Gardens and unloading all of them before we even got there! Thanks to Cam for flying all the way up from Florida to help art direct, plan and help me get ready. Heartfelt thanks to her, Karen W. and Michael for their work hanging images, cleaning frames, lifting, aligning, cajoling, editing and all-around constant support of whatever adventure I insert myself into. I couldn’t have gotten it all done on Monday without the help of these five amazing people! And thanks to friend and fellow photographer, Jeff Evans, who I often declare is, “solely responsible for both encouraging me to pursue the exhibit as well as my current financial deficit as a result of said exhibit.”

The first four comments in my guest book were written by Cam, Karen, Michael and Jeff on Monday after the installation was complete. The fifth entry was made by Doug and Kay from Alexandria and it really made my day on Tuesday afternoon when Michael and I drove over to do a bit more tweaking to the exhibit. They wrote:

“Amazing! Incredible close-up focus. Fabulous colors.
My favorite exhibit at Green Spring Gardens to date.”

Does it get any better than that? I think not. And a note to my sister Kelley—Barbara wrote in her comment yesterday that she was tickled by the names of the images. Thank you for helping me name them!

What Cam and I love about the venue is that when you enter the Horticulture Center my exhibit is the first thing that catches your eye (see photo #1 in the collage below). And the way the spotlights are aimed on the ramp, you can see the exhibit as you approach the building before you even open the door! I have my 20×30 gallery wrap canvas images hanging on both side of the trellis panels that span the divider wall before you go down the ramp located behind the wall (photo #2). Everything you see through that divider wall is eye level, but when you ’round the corner (photo #3), you see many more images that are actually near eye level from that vantage point, making it a multi-level presentation. Cam was so instrumental in keeping order within each panel so that even though there are 74 total (yes, we counted!) images on display, there is a sense of order throughout the entire exhibit that keeps it streamlined, believe it or not. The last photo in the collage below shows Cam surveying her art directing handiwork.

On the ramp I have a show poster above the planter pots that contain business cards (photo #5). There are also complimentary postcards, a guest book and a portfolio with a bio, collages of images shot exclusively at Green Spring Gardens, and a section with non-gardening images such as portraits, weddings and magazine covers and features (photo #4). I’ll be adding a visual price index to the back of the book early next week. Although it doesn’t show in the photos below, I now have medium-sized signs placed below each panel with a visual reference to each image within that section (as well as the print name, common flower name, Latin name and price). Since the venue doesn’t allow for anything to be attached directly to the wall, I had to improvise with my pricing labels.

If you’re in the D.C./Northern Virginia area, the show will up for viewing from now until April 29. The reception is Sunday, April 15 from 1-3 p.m. There will be yummy appetizers and refreshments served (with wonderful tablescaping in the works!) and other pieces with be available for purchase during that time. I’ll have matted images (ready to frame), framed images and notecards for sale as well. For more information about the show, visit my show website below:

http://www.gardenmuseshow.com/

I’m putting together a slide show set to music to share on youtube.com and my blog for all of you who are interested in seeing the entire portfolio but can’t make it to the show. Stay tuned! I will also be compiling a list of the great resources (prints, canvas printing, frames, framing accessories, greeting cards, posters, polybags, etc.) and tips that I’ve learned about while preparing for this exhibit.

From the Polaroid transfer archives: Lupine

I photographed this beautiful Lupine bloom many years ago when I was visiting my friend John in Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia. When I hopped out of the car to photograph a field of these beauties, he laughed and said, “why on earth are you photographing weeds?” They grow so abundantly in his area that the locals consider them weeds! I took the 35mm slide and create this Polaroid transfer piece soon after. You can learn more about the Polaroid transfer process in my blog posting here.

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Desktop poetry: Unfurled

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Re-post: A lighter shade of pale

Originally posted Feb. 11, 2009

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Austin sky

I know I’ve said it, but I’ll say it again (and again): Texas (at least for this cloud-crazed photographer) remains undefeated for stellar sky displays, hands down. There’s an amazing show virtually every day!

Photographed overlooking downtown Austin, 1.04.2012

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Chinese Maple leaf canopy

While preparing for my March/April 2012 solo photography exhibit at Green Spring Gardens, I stumbled across this image I captured at Garvan Woodland Gardens a few years ago. I was on a road trip with my friend, Sue, and we visited her Aunt Gaye in Little Rock, AR. I’m considering this image for a 12×12 print for the show.

Mark your calendars for March-April 2012 for my exhibit!
This will be my first art exhibit since college days (way back when!), so I’m very excited. The exhibit will be in the Horticulture Center in the park. The reception isn’t until Sunday, April 15, from 1-3 p.m., but the show runs all of March and April, so if you’re in the area, that’s ample time to stop by and see the show if you live nearby or plan to be in the Washington, D.C. / Northern Virginia area during that time!

Green Spring Gardens is conveniently located off of 395, at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria, VA 22312. The Horticulture Center is open weekdays from  9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12 – 4:30 p.m. Parking is free and the park closes at dusk.

All works will be for sale, with a portion of proceeds going to Green Spring Gardens. I also plan to have unframed and matted images available for sale during the reception. The show consists of 12×12 images, 12×18 images and 8×12 images, all matted and framed for the show. I’ll also have more than a dozen gallery wrap canvas transfer images (a very contemporary look with no framing needed!), ranging in size from 12×18 to 20×30.

The show includes a great deal of images I’ve shot at Green Spring Gardens, as well as images from Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Virginia, Brookside Gardens in Maryland, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C., McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Maryland, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and in my own front and backyard gardens.

Stay tuned to this blog for an announcement of my show website with more details and a sneak preview of some of the images that will be featured. The website will also include ordering information if you’d like to purchase an image (whether matted/framed or matted/ready to frame) but can’t come see the show in person.

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.

Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona

Saguaro cactus photographed in Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ

© Cindy Dyer. All rights reserved.