Exactly 6 months ago today, I took the picture above of the red zinnia, surrounded by lush greenery.I like to take photos, and summer offers endless opportunities. Although some subjects become a cliche, for example, flower macros. In fact, there is a Flickr group called "Another Boring Macro", which I joined. Recipe for successful macro: Start with flawless flower, one that belongs in a florist's shop. Next, blur the background. This is called bokeh, and bokeh pictures are what all the cool kids want. This may be enough for a star picture, depending on how eye-catching your flower is. If not eye-catching enough, work on light and shadows. Best quality light: Evening, when the sunlight has a warm yellow/orange glow. Difference between light and shadows should be noticeable. The picture above is partially edited according to these rules; I got rid of many little insect chew spots via photoshop Elements. However, the light is not the gentle but clearly noticeable sort which makes for Flickr ooohs and aaahs.
I didn't bother, I like it fine.
Sorry to digress a bit there.
Winter offers many opportunities for the photographer. Again, gentle lighting is essential. Also, snow or hoarfrost should be decorating any trees or other plants. And sunsets are a perennial. I've tried to do some different stuff; yet today, I couldn't bear the thought of another winter scene; and it's not even February.
Snow is beautiful, the long low rays of the sun in winter can add magic to a picture. Beauty is not enough. How is one to stay in touch with living things when they are snug, covered with snow and inaccessible, for the most part.
To illustrate the loveliness of winter, I illustrate with a photo taken yesterday:
Notice the soft, filtered lighting. Maybe an orange filter would make it more "Interesting", as flickr calls it.
I'd think of more to say, except that I've spent a lot of time fiddling with the settings of this post. I'll continue to dream of summer and look hungrily at the seed catalogs.
One more picture from the world of green:
cheers, all
