Nice demoiselles, set off beautifully in their natural backgrounds.

Paired with a K3ii this is an absolutely fantastic lens.

I have a couple of Christmas Cactus cuttings on the kitchen window ledge. Also in the same pot was a dormant sorrel seed that decided to germinate. These produce beautiful, tiny yellow flowers amid a profusion of folded, heart shaped leaves. They are probably classed as a weed but I love them and let them grow wherever.

This shows why I like them


The sunshine was far too bright to photograph them as they were so I got some thin plastic food preparation sheets - (common items about 12inches x 18inches, red for meat, green for salad, blue for fish etc.) - and played with them to get a considerable variety of translucent backgrounds. I settled on green in front of red. This went about 12inches behind the subject. The camera, on a tripod, was set up as close as I could get with a Takumar f1.8, 55mm lens (about 18inches).

Here is the Oh-so-simple setup as seen in the original shot, before editing.


Just enough light got through to provide a lovely glow on the flowers and there was just enough shadow to provide a nice contrast and some abstract shapes in the background.

It's always worthwhile visiting old churches, as this set shows. The last but one, of a misericord is a most satisfying shot.
In those times, monks were expected to stand for hours in their stalls. The projection was to rest their butts to ease the discomfort.

Lovely bokeh round the bullfinches.

You just reminded me Mike. I have a roll of Portra in the fridge. I shall put it into one of my oldie-foldies!

Caught it just right.

I'm not very good at landscape so I must make use of our time in North Cornwall this year.

Spad, you might try Carding Mill Valley (NT) just outside Church Stretton, Shropshire. Readily accessible 24/7 with stacks of wide open parking in a stunningly picturesque setting BUT for you, it's a certified 'dark sky' venue! It also has a phenomenal geological profile if you're into that as well. Good pubs, accomodation and eateries in the town too.

Joke time ..........

Two gulls soaring over a packed beach of sunbathers.
One gull to the other ....
"No - there's just no sport in it".

Super beaches and interest round every corner. You show why this is the place to visit - thankfully it's out of reach for the hoards!