Yes, the isolated figure in 1, 2 and 5 for me too. Questions raised, no answers given. For me, 3 and 4 aren't quite up there with them, I find the blue in the sky a distraction.

Steve

The lights from No 2 with everything else from No 1, please! I rather like the darkier, moodier feel of the first.

Steve

Mrs L. is in full production mode at the moment and the Kilner jars are looking interesting. Gin on top, with a thick layer of redcurrants at the bottom and a layer of sugar between. Shake once a day until ready.

I managed to get the camera to a jar when it was ready for shaking (the jar, not the camera). A few redcurrants had settled out on top of the layer of sugar and seemed tempting targets. And here's the result. K3 + Sigma 70mm macro and a couple of small, directional LED lights. No chance of a really sharp shot through the glass and a cm or so of sugary gin!

Thoughts, comments etc. welcome as usual.




Steve

With all the excitement about the lastest cameras and lenses, thanks for reminding us that the old stuff can still produce really good results when you play to its strengths.

Steve

How much of the quality of these photos is due to the lens, how much to the camera - and how much to a photographer who seems to be able to get the best from any lens?

Steve

Yes, that's it. Light right, subject matter right, composition right. Absolutely stunning .

But as you say, not good for the farmers.

Steve

Mrs. L. spotted a small (2cm long), inconspicuous flower on the 'string of hearts' plant that dangles delicately near the front door. She said that it was hard enough to see it, getting a decent photo would be even more difficult. So... a challenge that couldn't be ignored! The plant had to stay in place, but the difficulties of the location and a soft carpet under the tripod were met head on and a reasonable focus stack was obtained.

However, is a single shot better than a stack for this small flower? Here is a single shot followed by the stack. Which do you prefer and why?

Taken with K3 + Sigma 70mm macro, all at f4.

1. Single shot



2. Stack



Steve

Thanks, Serge. Ivy was the most challenging, it took two attempts to get her looking reasonable. The stacks have to be constructed from jpegs so I use straight out of camera files. Using the DNG files, it should be possible to pull more light out of the petals while retaining detail. However, the thought of processing all those DNGs and not being sure that the result will be OK until the stack has been processed ...

Steve

Fascinating. Presumably due to dissolved organic compounds from decayed seaweed, fish and such like. I much prefer the honest look of this foam to the artificially milky look of normal water that has suffered from a long exposure.

You did right to try the B&W conversion, it's worked.

Steve

No 3 stands out for me, even thought it wasn't what you were going for. Nice dog picture, too - it's a look that's familiar from my own dog.

Steve