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.

Lantern Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden

I have often said/bragged that St. Louis has one of the world's best Botanical Gardens and has spoiled me for life. That being said, they often have these exhibitions of wonderful things from Chihuly glass (my all-time fav) to an artist named Niki, to the current Chinese Lantern Festival. There are 26 different lantern scenes throughout the garden, and they are illuminated at night. My parents and I went recently - fortuitous that our membership had run out and we got in for free, instead of $15 (member price) each. It was amazing. They are beautiful both in daytime and nighttime.

                    

        

See? I told you so. See more of the Lantern Festival here.

Water Lilies at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Recently, my family and I went to the Missouri Botanical Garden on a lovely summer day. We went to see the Treehouses exhibit but I was captivated by the water lilies...

















and a few other pretty flowers:

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has definitely sprung in St. Louis - and thank goodness. I love Alaska and all, but I was really looking forward to warmer temperatures. Despite craziness during my time at home, I managed a trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. What a treat - here are just a few pics from my trip:



Beautiful huh? I didn't have to work too hard to capture the natural beauty.