Thanks to the staff at the Naples Botanical Garden for the opportunity to wade through the ponds and admire the water lilies up close. This first of it’s kind, guided tour showed our small group how these Nymphaeas grow and bloom and reproduce. I was less interested in their biology and most interested in capturing some great photos.

The temperatures were in the low 90’s but the two-feet deep water was cool and made the wading comfortable. We were instructed to wear water shoes or similar, and take small, careful steps. The water is dyed black to reduce algae growth and makes for a perfect background to the lily-pad leaves and cool-hued blooms.

Cellphone photography was encouraged and we received tips on capturing the best pictures. (We were also instructed to use a tether, to keep the phone safe.) Out of the 90 photos I took, here are some highlights.