Flowers on Friday

Floral Love

Supermarket Flowers
Wild Flowers
Weeds
A table top tripod
A water bottle
A macro lens
And some time

Tulip & rain

I have always loved to see a macro picture. Ruth West inspires me so much with her wonderful macro’s of flowers.
I have been trying to use my macro lens a lot lately with varying degrees of success.
I finally bought myself a tabletop tripod, Oh my, so much better.

Nigella seed head

Last weekend I bought some Single Peony’s unnamed, unfortunately, from the supermarket, specifically to practice with and picked some stems from the jungle garden. Dandelion, a thistle, a bluebell and Muscari.

I gave myself some time and set up on the kitchen table. I get great light from the east facing window.
I was fortunate to be able to leave everything out all day for a couple of days.
I realised quite quickly that the remote shutter release would be beneficial.

peony 7

I am delighted with the results. Obviously I have a long way to go but now I see some reasonable results it encourages me so much.

I don’t really need the macro lens: it was a present, and I love it of course. I think it is the tripod that is making the biggest difference. The remote shutter release is really fantastic, not only does it stop you from moving the camera when you press the shutter but I can half press the shutter with it as well, even less touching the camera.

The tabletop tripod is so light that you can move it easily, less knob turning to learn and do! I struggle with tripods!

I had a lovely few days with my camera. The Peony’s were tight buds when I brought them home. I watched them send out their sticky sugary substance.

peony 4

Then one petal emerged from its bud followed by the whole bud emerging into this lovely flower.

peony 9

peony 8

This morning the other flower was open and by this afternoon the third bud has opened, so not so expensive after all. Something that gave me so much joy was so worth the few pounds I paid.

bluebell

Thistle

narcissi 2

Even when they are finished, there is beauty.
peony 10

I am linking to Mona’s Floral Love today and will be guaranteed some lovely blooms. We have fierce, almost gale force winds here today, there will be no blooms left in my town by the morning.
I hope it is calm where you are.

16 thoughts on “Flowers on Friday

  1. I kept going ‘Oooh’ and ‘Aahh’ and Himself enjoyed them too : ‘Look at this one!’ I’d say and we’d admire it together. A lovely ten minutes – thank-you!

  2. I think your macros of the flowers are wonderful! I, too, love macro images, although most of mine are with a hand-held camera. I do have a tabletop tripod, and I should try it sometime. Beautiful work.

  3. Miriam, these are just gorgeous!
    It is not convenient for sure, but a tripod is almost a necessity for macro work.
    Wishing you a wonderful day!

  4. These are stunning, Miriam! I’ve had such a good time catching up with your blog this morning, and am inspired to take some good photos (despite the fact that I’m still dealing with sorting hundreds of photos from our trip!)

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