Photography Workshop with Saxon Holt at the San Francisco Botanic Garden
It occurs to me that I never posted about this workshop, which was held at the end of June during the Garden Bloggers’ Fling. I won’t try to convey what Saxon Holt had to say, but Judy found it very helpful. I will say that Saxon was very gracious and entertaining as he shared his expertise.
There was some discussion of trying to see through a frame.
After the workshop, Judy and the other participants went wandering around the San Francisco Botanic Garden to try and apply what they had heard. It was close to noon at this point and the sun was very bright, which was challenging.
We only saw a small part of the garden. However, we did see some really magnificent trees, though I couldn’t tell you what they were.
There were a lot of impressive foliage plants, like these Gunnera.
And these Cycads.
There were a cute family of ducks in the pond.
There was a bed with red poppies that really stood out in the landscape, which tended to be mostly greens and softer colors.
Who is your favorite garden photographer? Have you ever visited the San Francisco Botanic Garden?
gardeninacity 
In spite of the early start, I really appreciated that workshop. And I remember running into you and Judy right by that cute duck family. I could use a little of the heat and sun of that day about now…how about you two?
That’s what drew me to look at those old pictures.
I too enjoyed meeting Saxon. I had corresponded with him prior and was very anxious to meet him in person. I did enjoy the lesson and the tour of the gardens, although we were dodging sprinklers almost the whole time.
It was a hot, dry day!
I don’t know any garden photographers, but your wife is a good one!
On her behalf, thanks!
Ah, yes, I think I spent most of my time taking pictures of the poppies!
And we have pictures of you doing that.
Interesting that there were the red European poppies. In Great Britian they are used for Remembrance of the two world wars. After the First world war the countryside of France and Flanders were covered with red poppies; the result of all the digging of trenches. These red poppies grow all over Europe where ever the earth has been turned over (often besides roads were work has taken place and in fields that have been ploughed. It’s great to hear of the great time all you bloggers had in SF.
That’s a tragic story for a beautiful flower. Thanks for sharing that.
I wish this plant would grow in our disturbed ground.
I would love to take a workshop with Saxon, I love his work! Love your wife’s pics of the poppies. I’ve not been to that SF garden but I have been to the SF Japanese garden and did a post on it last spring. It is a beautiful place too.
If I ever get back to San Francisco, I’ll visit that Japanese garden.
Further to Christina’s comment. The red poppy grows naturally in conditions of disturbed earth throughout Europe. The Napoleonic wars of the early 19th Century transformed bare land into fields of blood red poppies, growing around the bodies of the fallen soldiers, hence the association with remembrance.
Aside from that, thanks for the great photographs. It is nice to see a bit of sunshine (I am in England and it is miserable weather)
It’s nice to think back on summer at this time of year, isn’t it?
Judy’s pictures are great – I particularly like the trees. I’m not up on garden photographers and wouldn’t know a good one from a bad one 😉
Yes, those were some truly beautiful trees that looked so wonderful up against that blue sky.
Oh…..wonderful to see a blue sky. Those trees are stunners and I LOVE the ducklings and Cycads….funnily enough, I recieved one as a birthday present,it’s only small, but perfectly formed.xxx
Really, you can grow Cycads where you are?
That Gunnera is HUGE! I always hate when I am in a beautiful garden at midday. The photos always are terrible. You did an admirable job after your workshop.
Actually, it was Judy who took the photographs, but thanks.
I am not sure I have a favourite professional, but I will say that I am always amazed at the quality of the photographs by other bloggers. There are some really talented people out there! I have never been to the San Francisco Botanical garden so enjoyed seeing what it is like through your images. Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to visit.
I agree, there are a lot of talented non-professional bloggers out there.
I’ve visited San Francisco several times, but I’ve never been to the botanical garden there. Looks like it was a helpful workshop. I love the last shot of the Poppy–the bright sun is complimentary to Poppies!
Yes, that last photo of the red poppy is my favorite.
I really love the San Francisco botanic garden, I stop by when ever I am in the city. I really enjoyed your photos.
Thank you. It’s nice for you that San Francisco is just down the coast!
I have two favourite garden photographers: Jürgen Becker and Clive Nichols. San Francisco is a little far for me but I enjoyed the walk with you.
I’ll have to look those two up!
Jason I think this work -shop was useful for you, because your photos (or Judye’s) are beautiful.