A Day at Bellevue Botanical Gardens | | iPhone 14 Pro and Ricoh GR3x Photography
Today, I found myself amidst the serene landscapes of the Botanical Gardens here in Bellevue, Washington. My purpose was simple: to stretch my legs, shake off the everyday monotony, and get a little creative with my trusty iPhone 14 Pro and my ever-reliable Ricoh GR3x.
What I particularly appreciate about the Ricoh cameras is their versatility. They allow me not only to take regular pictures but also to capture close-up shots, which came in handy in the heart of the Botanical Gardens. This isn’t my first visit here, but the full bloom that greeted me today was a mesmerizing sight.
There's something uniquely fascinating about nature at the cusp of bloom. Observing the colors of a flower right before it blossoms, and then the subsequent explosion of life as it opens, fills me with a peculiar sense of awe. Being here amidst this blossoming paradise is a refreshing break from the endless work I've been doing behind the computer.
In an attempt to challenge myself, I chose to venture out today without my macro lens. Though I found myself missing it, I believe in the spontaneity of photography. The joy of not planning too much, of simply letting the process guide me, always leads to intriguing discoveries.
Every year around this time, I feel the urge to update my gear, be it a new lens, a tripod, or a camera body. But this year, I find myself pretty satisfied with my existing setup. I have the Sony A7 2 for landscape and macro shots, the Ricoh GR3x for versatility, and the iPhone 14 Pro, which offers an excellent wide-angle camera. Coupled with my Sony A 6100, which I currently use as a webcam, I couldn't ask for a better lineup.
This visit to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens reminds me once again why I love what I do - capturing the world through my lens, immersing myself in nature, and challenging my creative boundaries. Even without a clear plan in mind, every outing offers an opportunity to create something new, something beautiful.
