I made another trip to Kenilworth recently. One normally doesn't think to shoot flowers in August, when everything else seems to be drying out and withering in the heat. But August is when the Victoria water lilies bloom. The leaf of a Victoria water lily can grow up to almost 10 feet in diameter. They are wonderful to behold. 

CirclesVictoria water lillies at Kenilworth.

Purple water lilyA purple Victoria water lilly at Kenilworth. ThreeVictoria water lillies at Kenilworth.

The following isn't actually a Victoria water lily, but rather a winter hardy water lily. I shot it when I shot the Victoria water lilies. I like the strong contrast of the single white flower against all the dark green. 

OneOne winter hardy water lilly at Kenilworth.

I usually associate flowers with spring, but some flowers bloom in the summer. The lotus, one of my favorites, is one such flower. Here are a few photos of lotus flowers that I shot in July.
One Before the OtherTwo pink lotuses, early in the morning.

One of the ThreeThree lotus flowers in early morning light.

A Field of Pink Lotus FlowersMorning in a field of pink lotus flowers. Pink TranslucencyMorning sun shines through pink lotus petals.

Every year on Independence Day, I shoot the fireworks here in Washington, D.C. This year was unique for two reasons. First, I had the opportunity to shoot from the steps of the Capitol, which gave me an unusual perspective. Second, we had just experienced a lot of rain and the clouds were very low. The air was also very hazy. This created an atmosphere in the photos that felt somehow otherworldly. I hope you agree this made the photos a little extra special. Click on a photo to see it larger and let me know if you have a favorite!

Orange Fireworks, Blue SmokeOn Independence Day, 2015, in Washington, DC, orange fireworks explode behind the Washington Monument while smoke billows up from cannon fire. The cannons fired during the playing of the 1812 Overture by the National Symphony Orchestra on the west front of the Capitol. Blue Fireworks, Blue SmokeOn Independence Day, 2015, in Washington, DC, blue fireworks explode behind the Washington Monument while smoke billows up from cannon fire. The cannons fired during the playing of the 1812 Overture by the National Symphony Orchestra on the west front of the Capitol. Orange Fireworks and a Hazy MonumentOn Independence Day, 2015, in Washington, DC, orange fireworks explode behind the Washington Monument. Low clouds and heavy haze create an otherworldy atmosphere. Red Fireworks and a Hazy MonumentOn Independence Day, 2015, in Washington, DC, red fireworks explode behind the Washington Monument. Low clouds and heavy haze create an otherworldy atmosphere. Orange and Yellow Fireworks, Smoke, and the Washington MonumentOn Independence Day, 2015, in Washington, DC, orange and yellow fireworks explode behind the Washington Monument. Low clouds and heavy haze create an otherworldy atmosphere.