Purple Clematis Bloom

 

 

Lily Centre Close Up

 

The very shallow depth of field here focuses attention on the centre stamen.  Surrounding pollen is still largely intact.

Iris Composition

A slightly different composition from those I normally take – can’t quite decide if I like it or not – still, the flower itself is impressive.

Red Geum

A red Geum with Johnson’s Blue Geranium in the background.  Another one for the bees.

Johnson’s Blue Geranium up close

Click here to download a larger version of this image from my website

These flowers appear every June in profusion in my garden – the macro lens got me closer this year than ever before.  I did not realise that the centre of the flower was so complex.  If you zoom in you can even see the balls of pollen on the stamen.  This shot taken using my adapted light tent and the bloom isolated on white.  No other processing performed.

Hungry Bee!

This bee just happened to fly into shot as I took this photograph of an allium.  I had exposed for the flower so selected the bee, brightened and saturated just her a little post processing.

DIY Photography Kit Test – Does it work?

Click here to download a larger version of this image from my website

This is Iris Kashmiriana, the first image photographed using my DIY system for plants.  I bought a light tent and cut a hole in one side.  This means the whole ‘tent’ can be placed over the flower and then a shot can be taken through the cut hole.  The advantages here are that light is diffused – good in sunlight especially, – wind is blocked from moving the plant and it is easy to isolate the flower onto a white background.

What do you think?  Would love to know your thoughts – and any DIY photo kit tips you have!

Wiston Wisteria

A fantastic display of Wisteria at Wiston House, Sussex.  Taken during the Big Church Day Out festival.  The owners of this estate deserve huge thanks for letting the event be hosted here – wonderful location.

 

Just a weed?

 

The dandelion is one of the most common and annoying weeds for gardeners all over the UK  –  but close up it seems more endearing!

Bee gathering pollen and nectar

This bee was in my garden last year.  Having just taken delivery of a swarm of honey bees I am hoping that the weather will warm up and plenty of pollen and nectar will be produced……….followed by some honey!