A closeup of a Dune Evening Primrose, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California.
When it comes to macro close-ups of flowers, I’m no Michael Brown, but it is still a lot of fun – one could get lost for hours experimenting with the different lines, colors and textures found in just a single flower. Add to that, the different combinations of focal length and depth of field and the composition possibilities are nearly endless. I tend to prefer the broad landscapes, but it is kind of fun to enter the little macro world found at your feet.
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Hi Ron and Janine,
Looks like you are having another highly productive trip. If I can pull off a bank robbery I may have to make another trip to the Southwest for the spring bloom. Just got back from Maui Monday. The whales and dolphins were very cooperative.
This flower shot appears to be actually touching the lens. Was it?
Very nice,
Aloha
Thanks for the very kind words Ron!
Appreciate it!
Yes, … those shallow depth of field type images can be very intriguing and productive, so much like the one you have shown here.
Really like how the stamens seem to explode outwards and in to the lens.
It sort of has that feel as if they are floating above the center of the flower.
And that color combination has always been one of my favorites.
A blue/lavender flower with a throat area of yellow/green always seems to become a stunner!
You said you prefer the larger landscapes, … and then you go this way.
I prefer the very small in nature, … now I find myself going after something larger.
Fun huh? : )
Give your better half my best, and you guys take good care of yourselves!
Michael
I was going to say the same thing – I like how the stamen’s appear to be floating in this. The radial lines of the petals with the stamen floating almost give this an “explosion” like effect.
Hey, it is a perfect alternative when the light sucks for those big landscapes eh? 🙂
Author
Hey Michael,
Hi Michael, Thanks a lot for the comment – you are the macro master! I love what you have be able to do with limited depth of field – most people don’t have an eye or ability to capture that type of image.
Hey Calvin – I was just thinking about you this morning and wondering if you were back yet. I bet you captured a bunch of killer images – looking forward to seeing your new stuff.
You couldn’t go wrong in the Southwest the year. We are going to be back in Alaska just as it really gets good. O well, can’t be everywhere, and Alaska is awesome in March as well.
The flower was close, but wasn’t touching the lens – this was with my macro which has a fairly recessed front element as you know, and not with a wide-angle. I do like to use a wide-angle plus extension tube for this stuff. Thanks.
Author
Hi Mark,
Your comment snuck past me. Yeah I agree, it is a perfect alternative when the light is bad – I can tell how the weather was by the number of macros I have from a given trip. 🙂
Hey Ron,
Flowers? In February? Are you in Australia?
Dude, this kills me. All I’ve seen is white, gray, black, brown and gray. A hint of green spruce sometimes.
I hope there might be a reward for Calvin after the impending bank robbery – I’ll make some cash and head south for some sun! 🙂
Enjoy your trip, stay safe.
Cheers
Carl
Author
Hey Carl,
I know, how weird is that ? ! That is OK, come June, Alaska will be beautiful, and Borrego will be all brown.
After seeing some of Calvin’s photos – underwater dolphins, humpbacks, even the green flash at sunset captured in a photo (something I have never seen), I think the banks might need to be robbing Calvin!
Good to hear from you,
Ron
Very cool Ron. I like how the flower looks illuminated but still diffused. I’m going over to Salvation Mtn tomorrow and am tempted to stop off at Borrego on the way back but I guess it would be better in a few weeks.
Author
Hi Richard,
Thanks!
Yeah, in will be a lot better in a couple of weeks. Have fun at Salvation Mountain – it will be interesting to see what you come up with.