spring flowers

[Bambi]

On my in from work yesterday I spied these. I went and grabbed the camera and went back out. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4485086705_483227dcca_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4485712014_277f7c9f14_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4485710490_b6fafc7cb4_b.jpg

[Mad Aussie]

It's kinda funny seeing all you Canadians 'spring' towards any flowers that poke their heads out of the brown earth after the winter months :)

[Bambi]

It's kinda funny seeing all you Canadians 'spring' towards any flowers that poke their heads out of the brown earth after the winter months :)

You have to understand that we've endured months of white, brown and gray. To see a spark of colour and warmth is good for our souls :)

[Wicked Dark]

That first one, Bambi, is fabulous. Crisp, but yet with enough OOF elements to herd a viewer into the areas you want them to see. Maybe it was an accident, but it's a happy accident. I also like the messy and bedraggled look, so many flower portraits are unnaturally perfect.

and even though our winters may not be the long, drawn out affairs that Canada endures, we're pretty damn happy for color when it bursts upon us as well. Do you think it's safe to take the snow tires off?

[Bambi]

thanks WD. I didn't have time to clean up the garden so I'm glad that you like it. I am still trying to figure out how to do close up shots with my kit lens.

oh and my snow tires have been off for 2 weeks.

[Wicked Dark]

After we got hit with 2 feet of snow on April 1st in as many years, I leave them on a while. : )

Close ups with kit lenses are possible, but not real macro stuff. I do a fair amount of close work with my 12-60mm which does a reasonable job as long as I don't push its limitations. One thing I find that helps is to go into manual focus so I can be more selective. Also shooting with it wide open is key to many shots.

[OWLP]

You might try some closeup filter lenses, like the 500D or 250D for Canon lenses. I had the Canon Powershot Pro1 before and used even both together.
Like #1 and #3, #2 a bit too noisy.
And winter tires, what is that? :D

[Wicked Dark]

not to be argumenative, but before filters I'd buy a manual macro lens that will work with your camera. Filtes are notoriously cheap and do not enhance IQ, a good legacy macro lens on the other hand is worth its weight in gold.

[Marko]

Nice set Bambi - shot 3 for me :)

I agree WD... a full on macro is an excellent thing to have...but expensive for hobbyists for sure. I can easily recommend the 105 2.8 VR Micro (macro) from Nikon. About 900. CAD. ....not cheap but many high end lenses are 2 grand plus. :twocents:

[OWLP]

I wouldn't underestimate these lenses, but opinions are very different of course. Here is a pic I shot with the Pro1 and 500d + 250d together two years ago.

http://www.okanaganwildlifephotography.com/10/pro1_flies086201.jpg

[Wicked Dark]

I don't doubt you can get acceptable results with them, but it can be hit or miss. I mention a legacy/manual lens because chances are you won't have to pay $900 for one and the optics are superb. Tamron made a 90mm f2 macro that is a fine piece of kit and available in almost any mount and I don't think they cost that much. For Nikon users the 105mm 2.8 is also fantastique, although that might run a bit more. It might be a good option if macro isn't going to consume your life. I'm really glad I picked up my cherished OM 90mm f2 macro when it was only $600 USD, it's doubled now.

[JAS_Photo]

I like the composition and colors in the third but the first is pretty too and nice and sharp. Nikon also makes an 85mm macro 3.5. which come in a bit cheaper at about $550.00.

[Bambi]

wow thanks for all the comments guys. I like them all for different reasons but I'm glad that they appeal :).


Macro lens is on the list but first I'm torn between getting a wide angle next or a telescopic. :shrug:

[casil403]

Nice shots B.....I had close up filters when I first started out and they worked just fine for me...for someone who can't afford lenses,who wants a different lens and can't afford both or wants to do macro without a macro lens they are a really good second alternative. :)
And getting them free is even better.... ;)

[Bambi]

Nice shots B.....I had close up filters when I first started out and they worked just fine for me...for someone who can't afford lenses,who wants a different lens and can't afford both or wants to do macro without a macro lens they are a really good second alternative. :)
And getting them free is even better.... ;)

yes they are. :) free is always good. Especially when it's a gift from the heart. ;)

[casil403]

yes they are. :) free is always good. Especially when it's a gift from the heart. ;)

:grouphug: back attcha girl!