More Macro

I finally decided to purchase some extension rings for my digital camera. I've used some before on the Pentax as they allow the lens to focus much closer to the subject, and thus the image appears magnified.
To try out the extension system (3 interchangeable rings with a micro 4/3's adapter system) i decided to set up a mini photo shoot in my parents spare room with some dead plants out of the garden and a desk lamp.

 This first image is using the maximum magnification and the petals are no more than 0.5cm long if that.

 

The next 3 photographs are taken from the same plant, a spiky monster that just looks quite cool. These were taken using the thinner rings as not as much magnification was required.

       

 This next photo is dried lavender.

 

And finally the side of a leaf. 

Poppy Appeal

November is approaching so I decided to take a walk over to the Alrewas Memorial Arboretum. To the uninitiated this is an area of land full of monuments designed to recognise the contributions made by our armed forces, and to remember those who have died serving their country. (There are a couple of civilian areas but the majority is military.) 

Most of the photos below use the red of the poppy to capture your attention. 

Remembrance day is 11/11. A time to remember those who have given so much. 

 

 

 

Trentham Fairies

As the weather for once was fine and dry yesterday I decided to make the most of it by visiting Trentham Gardens in Stoke.
Hidden around the garden and lake was a series of fairy sculptures made from wire. All seemed to capture various aspects associated with the mythical creatures.Whether that be their cheekiness, or their exhibitionism.

Maritime Black and White

During a recent visit back up North, I spent part of a morning in a little fishing village called Staithes. I always enjoy working in monochrome as it can give a totally different feeling to the photo. In the case of Staithes, a village which is almost stuck in a time warp give or take the odd 4x4 black and white is a natural choice. The extra grain filter used also help emphasize this hardy and old worldly nature seen in the fishing boats and lobster/crab pots. My favourite photo of this set is probably the second one down.

I also used black and white for some more modern subjects found in and around Staithes. These images  are given a more wistful or abstract feeling than when seen in colour.

All The Fun Of The Fair.

It's Burton Statutes week, which to the uninitiated is a small traveling fair that arrives for two too three days in the second week of October. Officially its a small part of the Nottingham Goose fair, but it does seem to have its own atmosphere.
To try and get across the feeling of the fair I've tried using a couple of techniques that I haven't had much opportunity to use. The first was using a high aperture combined with a slow shutter speed to blur the fair lights. The other method that has a similar effect is to flick the zoom as the photo is taken.
I am now going to finish eating my candy floss and then pass out in a sugar coma, so enjoy the photos!