Foxtail

[velvet4269]

I struggled with which photo to put up today, because I'm still not overly thrilled with any of them.

This one was taken using the +10 "Macro" filter, at an aperture of f/8.0.



I'm still torn on the close-up filters. They certainly came in handy when I fond the itsy-bitsy spiders, and for the few spider web photos I took, but ... maybe I'm just not getting the hang of them.

Or maybe I'm just being overly self-critical. Or a little of both.

[FrankenPengie]

I wish I had the depth of mind to say something intelligent, but instead I'll hope to raise more answers in a greedy attempt to help myself.

Is f/8 a bit small for a +10 diopter?

Personally I think some clippers to remove clutter would have made this shot everything if the focus had been a touch closer. Other than the nearby clutter and lack of focus on my end, the color and clarity really draw my eye.

[geotography]

Hi Velvet4269,

Your photo inspires me to run out and buy a macro lens and a good pair of pruners. It seems as though FrankenPengie did give intelligent advice. I too enjoy the color and sharpness of the top portion of the foxtail. Did you try different angles on your subject?

[xxpinballxx]

Nice shot VM. you are starting to sound like me when Im in a "Fotography Funk"
I think its okay to have that darker blurred foreground stalk to go with the one in back and the subject itself is lit and colored to where it wins out over the distraction. For me at least.
You were at 45mm. Was that on the 14-45mm or the 40-150mm? Have you played around with it on the 150mm?
Im not sure whats bothering you about the filter? Are you expecting greater macro or just better shot.

[velvet4269]

FrankenPengie, if it'd been my garden, I probably would have clipped & moved on. Since I was out in one of the greenbelts here in Austin, I do my best to stick to the path and leave as little disturbed as possible. Which isn't to say that I don't occasionally move back a branch here & there, where I can reach. But the operative phrase there is "where I can reach"

geotography, I tried as many different angles as I could, given the space/path restrictions.

PB, it was on the 14-45mm. I haven't really taken the 40-150 out for a "test drive" because I typically don't carry a tripod (or monopod) with me. As for what's bothering me ... I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe I'm just in a general funk, and that's coloring everything I do right now.

ETA: and I can't even tell you how many shots I gave up because there was too much in the way of wind

[kimspics]

i really like this- Not being experienced enough to critique the details of macro shots- But at first view my thought was- Wow, I really like this ( I know this is silly ,but everytime I look at a pic I ask myself- If this is one I would hang in my home? and this IS one that I would hang in my home).

[velvet4269]

Thank you, Kim I think that's one of the best compliments a photographer can get.