Photowalks are my main method for connecting to world-wide photography community. I started participating a few years ago. At first I was a bit nervous. I was concerned that my low-budget Nikon D40 and my rudimentary knowledge would make me seem like a n00b1. But I soon found photowalks were typically organized by someone with a passion for photography. Like me, these people -- amateurs and professionals alike -- loved photography and didn't care much gear. The people I met on these photo-walks were there to learn and to share. Not to glare.
This image of dicentra spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Hearts, was taken at the Sayen Gardens in Hamilton, New Jersey during a photowalk with the Mercer County Photography Club. I was the organizer for this walk. We had a small turnout but everyone was enthusiastic.
So what is the Sayen Garden?
Situated in historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House and Gardens provide a welcome sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.Sayen Gardens
The air was cool and moist. Someone remembered seeing a pond on the last trip to the gardens so we walked around trying to find it. It was like a treasure hunt but we made sure to stop and enjoy the journey. I found these Bleeding Hearts while walking along one of the paths. It was early spring and I found the foliage with arching stems of delicate, heart-shaped flowers, attractive.
In some ways, the walk through Sayen Gardens reminded me of the many childhood walks through the Kingstown botanical Gardens with my mother and brothers. During the rainy season in St. Vincent the air is always moist and "sweet". A mixture of the rainwater from the mountains and the salt water from the Atlantic Ocean.
- Quite frankly I was. ↩
