Thursday, February 5, 2015

Tiny Things

argyranthemum, marguerite, amy myers photography
Here is a glimpse of the garden through my new lens... 

Above, the marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) with a bee...

Below, newly planted Armeria...
armeria, amy myers photography
armeria, Amy Myers photography
The new lens arrived a few days ago.  Of course, I have been wandering around the garden in spare moments, trying it out...

Eremophila "Valentine", an open trumpet with its dark stamens...
eremophila, valentine, macro, amy myers photography
eremophila, valentine, macro, amy myers photography
The smoky white of another newly planted specimen: Echeveria "Lila"...
echeveria, lila, amy myers photography
For those who are interested in the camera side of things, this is an 85mm, f/3.5 Nikkor lens with vibration reduction.  My goal was to have something that would allow macro (which it does at 1:1), and would still be lightweight enough to carry while hiking.  This lens definitely fulfills both requirements.  The vibration reduction feature is important since much of my photography is handheld; unfortunately, while it stabilizes my end of the picture, it does not stop the wind blowing!

I want to add a "thank you" to Julie at Peonies and Posies for thoughtfully answering my questions about her new lens.  Her reply encouraged me to make what is proving a good decision: a lightweight lens with vibration control and a little macro.

There has been a bit of a learning curve; for instance, point of focus is much more critical.  But I am thoroughly enjoying the results...

The growing tip of a just-planted rose, "The Generous Gardener" (David Austin, 2002)...
foliage bud, shrub rose
Smaller still, trying to capture rosemary flowers...
rosemary, macro, amy myers photography
Russelia equisetiformis, coming back into full bloom, shows off its brilliance, even in shade...
russelia equisetiformis, coral fountain, firecracker plant, amy myers photography
...and sunlight through petals, one more look at the Armeria...
armeria, macro, amy myers photography

4 comments:

  1. Ooooh, you'll have fun with that. A macro lens is next on my list :)

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    1. Am having sooo much fun, Jessica... Highly recommended :)

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  2. I'm envious. Close-ups are near impossible with the camera I've got but, then, I haven't invested in learning how to use it to maximum advantage either. I'll get to that one day...

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    Replies
    1. I have to admit, there's nothing like having a lot more lens to work with. I love to make pictures...!

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