Favorite Images of 2014

Here are just a few of my favorite images from 2014:


                                                                            


  

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?

18/52 - Photo Project 2014

I'm practically obsessed again with Macro Water Droplets. I've been to MoBot three times and last time I've not been past the beds who receive a wonderful sprinkler shower in the early mornings. I haven't even seen the newly restored Japanese Garden. But each time, I was stealing time from a busy work day - getting up early for some photo time.

I had about two hours of good macro time with an overcast diffusely lit sky before getting some great rays of sunshine. It was really shaping up to be a lovely day by the time I left and spent the rest of the day inside my work building.

I actually prefer macro water droplet shooting when it is overcast - less potential of blown out highlights.

I'm proud of myself, though.  I'm better at estimating shutter speed than knowing instinctively what aperture to shoot at. Saturday, I focused on using Aperture Priority and I really liked how my pictures came out. Still learning and loving it!

Now that I'm done being wordy, here's my favorite of the week:

I am so pleased with how this turned out!

And several runners up - it was tough.

                 

I don't know what I love more - other flowers in the water drops or the water drop within a water drop. A lot of new looks for me!

I can't wait for the flowers to change - I've been shooting tulips, daffodils and pansies... what will be planted in those well-watered beds next? Stay tuned... these won't be my last macro pictures of the season!