Tom Pickering, APSA
May 2020 - Opening
About the Image(s)
Specs: Nikon D5000, Tamron 60mm Macro + 66mm of extensions, F27, 1.5s, ISO 200, Tripod, 2 LEDs
This is a 3-image focus stack of a dandelion in the process of opening to reveal its seeds, merged in Helicon Focus. Suggestions?
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
(Group 65)
It's perfectly exposed and very sharp. The little dandelion is so powerful. No need to improve this image. Posted: 05/04/2020 00:15:01
(Groups 0 & 53)
Thank you so much, Barbara! Posted: 05/04/2020 04:54:12
Hmm, my favourite addition to an image with a dark background like this is a 2 px white border.
Great idea, I've not looked at a dandelion at this stage of its lifecycle. I've got thousands of the darned things in my garden at the moment!
3 images looks fine at this aperture. Super result.
I've been making little floodlights using various lengths of 12v striplights and running them on LiPo batteries that I have for my model aircraft. 3S packs of cells are right for these lights and last ages. Strips using 5050 LEDS seem to be the brightest. The result is much brighter than my Adaptalux and my cheap LED "macro flash". Posted: 05/07/2020 22:22:58
Great idea, I've not looked at a dandelion at this stage of its lifecycle. I've got thousands of the darned things in my garden at the moment!
3 images looks fine at this aperture. Super result.
I've been making little floodlights using various lengths of 12v striplights and running them on LiPo batteries that I have for my model aircraft. 3S packs of cells are right for these lights and last ages. Strips using 5050 LEDS seem to be the brightest. The result is much brighter than my Adaptalux and my cheap LED "macro flash". Posted: 05/07/2020 22:22:58
(Groups 0 & 53)
I'm gradually assembling a more extensive supply of macro gear: reversing ring; bellows; cpl (which Dick was always on me about). Have a couple of LED bendable reading lights and a magnifying filter on the way. Just got a set of step-up and step-down adapters today that will allow me a variety of lens and filter combinations. I think I'm gonna be busy for a while. d;¬{D Posted: 05/07/2020 23:24:27
I have to agree with Barbara - there's nothing to be done to this image, just sit back and enjoy it.
I'm not nearly into macro photography as you and Stuart. I like it a lot and am trying to improve, but I also like Street - which is a real challenge, I'm trying to improve my B&W, and I enjoy the General group in which I'm a member. My method is to take a lens out of my bag, put it on the camera and walk out the door without that bag. That takes away the temptation of switching genre that outing. Posted: 05/23/2020 15:33:54
I'm not nearly into macro photography as you and Stuart. I like it a lot and am trying to improve, but I also like Street - which is a real challenge, I'm trying to improve my B&W, and I enjoy the General group in which I'm a member. My method is to take a lens out of my bag, put it on the camera and walk out the door without that bag. That takes away the temptation of switching genre that outing. Posted: 05/23/2020 15:33:54
(Groups 0 & 53)
That's a very sensible approach, Bill. My 2 main lenses are my macro and my 18-200mm and I haven't had the latter on my camera in at least a year. I'm physically not up to a lot of walking, so a lot of photographic opportunities go begging. I take a lot more images with my smartphone than I ever thought I would, but it's always with me, even in places the DSLR wouldn't go. Still, macro has fairly limitless opportunities without leaving my house and yard, so I pretty go without my bag 99% of the time, too. d;¬{D Posted: 05/23/2020 15:52:47