a different kind of self portrait

[pjflan7]

I got a new Nikon 5omm prime lens primarily so I could capture a decent volleyball match even though the season is about done already.....so until then, I wanted to try it out in nature.....I saw this reflective ball and thought it might turn out a neat picture



It was cold and nippy....should have gotten my 200 mm out for this, but it was windy and this was moving around and the bees were not moving....I left the 50mm on and did a crop



another shot of a beautiful weed



I am pretty sure I switched lenses here and snapped on the 55-200 and did a minor crop.

[kurtwall]

Love the way the flower in #3 jumps out. Weed or not, it's striking.

[shellie20]

I have to agree with Kurtwall. The purple weed flower does seem to jump out of the picture. Very awesome pics. Thanks for sharing.

[mstark70]

Hi Patrick, I like your portrait. Reflections are fun and interesting. I love gazing balls. #2 gives a great perspective fro size. If your fingers were not in the shot I might have thought this was a much bigger flower. It looks so tiny in your hand and so the bees must me itty bitty! And I don't know what kind of weed #3 is, we don't have such pretty weeds here. Such a rich color! And #4 is pretty with the contrasting colors. Nice series.

[Angelb]

You have done a great job at capturing these great shots Patrick. The reflection shot is cool. Great dof in the flower with the bees shot, it's amazing they didn't fly away with you holding the flower so close. The last is my favourite, the colours and sharpness make this a superb photo.

[Chewys Dad]

4 Great Captures Patrick! I like your self portrait, You not only got your self in the paicture, but the beautiful blue sky and the white fluffy clouds in the back ground.
Great job one the 2nd, you were taking a chance with those guys, they could have gotten upset and stung you . The Wasp in the last one is really well captured, crystal focus and great composition
Thanks for sharing these
Michael.

[Tryfan67]

Hiya Patrick, these are wonderful mate. Pin sharp focus on all of them, the reflections on your self portrait are really cool, yourself the clouds and everything. Thanks for sharing

[pjflan7]

Originally Posted by Chewys Dad

4 Great Captures Patrick! I like your self portrait, You not only got your self in the paicture, but the beautiful blue sky and the white fluffy clouds in the back ground.
Great job one the 2nd, you were taking a chance with those guys, they could have gotten upset and stung you . The Wasp in the last one is really well captured, crystal focus and great composition
Thanks for sharing these
Michael.

Thanks....it was quite cool in temps and the bees were in super slow motion like their blood was molasses....they had not quite started their engines for the day!

[Hayward Taylor]

Hi Patrick - nice variety - and congrats on the new lens - I love the idea on the frist photo .. enjoy your new toy

[beachcomber]

Happy new lens, after a few days you'll wonder how you did with out it, it gives you more scope with exposure, e.g. f2.8 in the second picture (my favourite) , I doubt you'd have got that with the 200mm.
Great set of pictures Patrick, great lens, I hope you enjoy it.