Tag Archives: leaves

Acanthus Leaves and Stem

Acanthus Leaves and Stem
Macro photograph of leaves and stem.

Acanthus Leaves and Stem. © Copyright 2023 G Dan Mitchell.

Macro photograph of leaves and stem.

These plants were abundant in a public garden we visited back at the end of spring. Remember spring? Back when California was still green, and before our summer golden brown arrived? That aside, in this San Francisco Peninsula garden something is always green no matter what the season.

Most of my photography on this visit focused on flowers, but here it is more about the plant itself — sturdy stem with thick leaves growing upwards and with thorn-like appendages along their edges. The faint purple coloration at the edges of the leaves sets of the bright green.


G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.

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Tiny Purple Flower

Tiny Purple Flower
Macro photograph of tiny purple wildflower (possibly a of geranium) among shaded greenery.

Tiny Purple Flower. © Copyright 2023 G Dan Mitchell.

Macro photograph of tiny purple wildflower (possibly a of geranium) among shaded greenery.

Photos are temporarily being shared without additional commentary. Watch for commentary to resume in late summer.


G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.

Blog | About | Twitter | Flickr | FacebookEmail

Links to Articles, Sales and Licensing, my Sierra Nevada Fall Color book, Contact Information.

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All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

Fern, Detail

Fern, Detail
Close-up photograph of a spring fern in forest shadows.

Fern, Detail. © Copyright 2023 G Dan Mitchell.

Close-up photograph of a spring fern in forest shadows.

Photos are temporarily being shared without additional commentary. Watch for commentary to resume in late summer.


G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.

Blog | About | Twitter | Flickr | FacebookEmail

Links to Articles, Sales and Licensing, my Sierra Nevada Fall Color book, Contact Information.

Scroll down to leave a comment or question. (Click this post’s title first if you are viewing on the home page.)


All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

Three Ivy Leaves

Three Ivy Leaves
“Three Ivy Leaves” — Three spring ivy leaves emerge from the shadows

Ivy is among a group of (sometimes) shade-loving plants whose leaves intrigue me. The shapes, colors, and textures are immediately appealing, especially in soft light. But the complexity of their arrangement can make it difficult to find compositions. The beauty of the leaves makes me think it will be easy, but the complexity challenges me.

Here a few newer leaves stood out a bit from the darker background leaves — both because of their newness and because they were a bit forward and in the light.


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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.