Longwood Gardens Christmas

Today, Don, Steve and myself made a run up to Longwood Gardens. It was a bitter cold sunny and windy day, not the best for the gardens...and the dam road over the Susquehanna was closed due to icing. Then I realized I had left my macro lens in the big bag in my car.....; - ( Well that was OK, just a challenge to see things differently, I had plenty of gear with me. After a quick walk through the whole conservatory, which allowed our gear to adapt to the different temperatures and humidity inside I decided to make some environmental images. The crew at Longwood never ceases to amaze me with their taste, talent and gardening skills. They had set a beautiful table in the Mediterranean Room which attracted my eye for a possible HDR image. I then headed to the tropical room and started to make an image of a planted Holiday tree when this plant covered door caught my eye. I then headed back to the music room which had been set to resemble a sweetheart holiday dinner party a la the DuPont's. It was elegant, romantic and beautifully decorated! Having been a retailer I appreciated the presentation of dinner tables, set with china, silver and crystal, adorned with arrangements and gift packages. A dozen sweetheart tables are set for a romantic dinner dance. This enchanting party scene features fine, custom-made dinnerware created by decoupage artist Scott Potter. Finally I made a few Lensbaby images of holiday ornaments on the trees. Then it became so crowded it was impossible to shoot and every time I set my tripod up I drew a crowd of other photographers who wanted to see and shoot what ever I was.....so we headed out!
On the way home we scouted the canals along the Susquehanna for ice, and I think the ice will be good by Sunday morning! So we planned an ice shoot for Sunday!