It's not unusual to see a photo of someone holding a small bonsai in one hand. However, you seldom see a photo with two hands. This two-handed approach gives the feeling the tree is being offered. This photo and the others in this post are from Japan Shohin Bonsai. The tree appears to be a Shimpaku juniper.
One of the problems with photographing bonsai is conveying size. The easiest and perhaps best way is to provide something familiar for contrast.
It used to be fairly common to see bonsai with cigarette packs before smoking fell out of favor. You also sometimes see soft drink cans, though soft drinks are slowly falling out of favor too. Either way, the effect is distracting and shows a lack of respect for the natural beauty of the bonsai.
One of the great things about hands is they are always available (close at hand). Also, they tend to look good and there’s a natural relationship between hands and the art of bonsai.
We originally posted these exceptionally high quality photos in July 2014. They were borrowed from Japan Shohin Bonsai.
Another two handed offering. This one looks like a Needle juniper (Juniperus rigida).
This little Japanese maple only needs one hand. I like the trunk and of course, there's that sweet little pot.
Another lovely little Japanese maple.
No hands here, but I couldn't resist. The tree (a boxwood?) is exceptional and the pot, well... you can see for yourself.
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