It's Pat's Fault (macro)

[dagray]

So Pat got a new lens, and well I had to break out my macro lens.

All shots yesterday 02 May 2015 using Pentax K3, Sigma 180mm 1:3.5 lens. Flash would be provided by onboard camera flash ISO 800

First I give you a Clamata
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Clamata%202015_zpsoqve8dsw.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Clamata%202015_zpsoqve8dsw.jpg.html)

Zoomed in
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Blooming%20Clamatis_zpscbjba9rq.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Blooming%20Clamatis_zpscbjba9rq.jpg.html)

Then a Columbine
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Columbine_zpsziix76lo.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Columbine_zpsziix76lo.jpg.html)

Then a golf ball after it made a trip to the Congo and was shot by a bunch of Pygmies (or maybe just a Dandelion puff ball)
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Dandelion_zps49bejeh4.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Dandelion_zps49bejeh4.jpg.html)

Enjoy :)

Happy Sunday :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Nice Dave, this will not be the first time I have been blamed and I happily take responsibility for it. :D
Pat

[dagray]

Thank you Pat for giving me some inspiration to break out the cameras again :) I missed the Lavender Twist Weeping Red Bud tree in bloom (it blooms and then has leaves), and the Star Magnolia Bush in bloom.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thank you Pat for giving me some inspiration to break out the cameras again :) I missed the Lavender Twist Weeping Red Bud tree in bloom (it blooms and then has leaves), and the Star Magnolia Bush in bloom.

That's cool Dave, I did dragonflies and native flowers today.

[rickztahone]

Great focus on that second one.

[dagray]

Great focus on that second one.

Thank you very much Rick :)

Pat I liked the sharpness in your dragonflies :) ours haven't started hatching yet as they come more in the summer around here.

[SMB2]

Very nice collection. I do like the composition of the first one. Shows you don't always have to include the whole flower. The half flower is a nice touch.
The last looks like a great subject.
You might try some shots in softer light, early or late as the flowers will likely have more texture and be a little less "contrasty". Will likely need a tripod.
Also for fun try shooting the back of some flowers. Gives a less conventional view and you would be surprised at how that changes things a bit.

[dagray]

Thank you Stan :) I will play with the tripod and remote trigger :) I have seen and liked some of the back of the flower shots, and when I have some I can get to the back of I will try that :)

[limige]

played with mine some today, didn't turn out so well. I brought it to work to mess with later when things are slow

[rickztahone]

played with mine some today, didn't turn out so well. I brought it to work to mess with later when things are slow

Please share with us when you get a chance :)

[dagray]

Okay, so I took the 180mm 1:3.5 Sigma out for a spin yesterday as the Tiger Lilies are tall enough for me to get side and underneath views without having to lay on the ground :)

Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer do....
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Daisy%20Daisy%20Give%20my%20your%20answer%20do.... _zps8wr6hvhe.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Daisy%20Daisy%20Give%20my%20your%20answer%20do.... _zps8wr6hvhe.jpg.html)

Tiger (Lily) by the tail
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Tiger%20Lily%20by%20the%20Tail_zps37jh2qmc.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Tiger%20Lily%20by%20the%20Tail_zps37jh2qmc.jpg.htm l)

And the side/underneath view of the Tiger Lily
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/lizardman_u/flowers/Tiger%20Lilly%202015_zpseluldw8r.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/lizardman_u/media/flowers/Tiger%20Lilly%202015_zpseluldw8r.jpg.html)

These were all taken about 8:30 in the morning on 13 June 2015 handheld.

Ricardo, thank you for reminding me to get different views other than a top view of the flowers :)

[discuspaul]

Superb photo sharpness ! Now show us some pics of your discus using similar settings, technique, etc., and we'll all most certainly be totally blown away !

[dagray]

Superb photo sharpness ! Now show us some pics of your discus using similar settings, technique, etc., and we'll all most certainly be totally blown away !

Currently I am working slowly so as not to blow the budget on tank upgrades, and then I plan to purchase discus again. I unfortunately sold mine that I had raised from dime sized due to a financial shortcoming ($15,000.00 per year pay cut so I could stay a federal employee at the 19 year mark... I am now at the 21 year mark so only a few more to go until retirement). I now have plants, a new LED light, new Filter to install, and some plecostomus in the tank with the three angels.

My plan is to pay off what I have spent and then buy discus from one of our sponsors here (probably wild strain discus in the 2-2.5 inch size range). I also am going to add some Rummy Nose tetras and maybe hatchet fish as the 75 gallon tank will be a South American biotope (with the exception of an Anubias plant).

Dave

[Second Hand Pat]

Dave, I really like that third photo. Very eye catching :thumbsup:
Pat

[dagray]

Thank you Pat. My wife and I are working on getting more flowers in our yard, and hopefully ones that attract the hummingbirds and butterflies.