Macro Water Droplets

In case you haven't noticed, I'm obsessed with water droplet photos again. At first, I was obsessed because it was a whole new world and I had just discovered how to do it. Now, that I *KNOW* I can do it, and do it handheld, I'm trying to focus on (no pun intended) composition instead.

For several Saturdays (and one disappointing Wednesday) in April/early May now, I have taken advantage of my unfortunate new early wake-up time of 5:30 to make it to the Botanical Garden at 7:00am. No matter what I had planned later that day (i.e. work), I made time for at least an hour or so of camera time.

I think my persistence has paid off, yes? Here are some of my new favorites:

                                                  

  

Lately, I've been trying to capture the nearby items within the water droplet, which takes patience, focus (literally and camera-wise) and did I mention patience? I choose to shoot macro handheld because I don't have patience for the tripod. Plus, think of the things I would miss because of the crazy angles I find to take the photos from.

And, in the most recent visit, I captured myself! You can "see" me in the reflection which was quite fun! (photos #2 and #9 above).

I look forward to photographing more water droplets during this spring! Practice makes perfect, yes?

Rainy Day Macros — Post-Storm

We've had a couple of rainy days here in St. Louis where I have had time off and my macro lens handy.

The first day, I crept out mid-rain with an umbrella into my backyard. It wasn't raining hard, but it would've been smarter to probably stay in. But it was worth it for photos like these:

   

       

Today, we had a pretty hefty storm mid-morning that broke up about mid-afternoon. Again, I went to the backyard and took several photos and then convinced the roommate to come with me to the Missouri Botanical Garden where I stalked the hosts and other water-loving plants.

                                

I really am loving this lens. One of the best photography investments that I ever made... don't you think?

Check out the rest on flickr! Macro Water Droplets is the set.

Macro Water Droplets

I may be obsessed with these now. I am really loving my macro lens - but this past Saturday, I had an opportunity to photograph a very dew drop'd hosta plant with fabulous results:

I got a really great compliment on this photo from a professional photographer - which had me feeling very nice.

And then, when I went back the following Monday, I was obsessed. Sadly, no frost or dew that morning, but I re-discovered the Climatron and spent literally HOURS in there obsessed with water droplets:

                  

                 

The next rainy day that I have off, you know where I'll be. Or a dew drop'd or frosty morning. I can't wait to learn more techniques in better capturing these droplets.