Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: Bob_B on June 08, 2015, 07:55:53 pm

Title: Wildflower macros
Post by: Bob_B on June 08, 2015, 07:55:53 pm: This past weekend I had an opportunity to take a brief hike in the nearby state park. Late spring plants were out in all their glory. I had my 70-200 mm with a 20mm extension tube and decided to shoot purposely with a shallow depth of field, more for atmosphere than scientific accuracy. Here are four of the photographs from my hike. I'm not a botanist and don't know the common or scientific names of any of these plants, except the 'red hot poker plant' that I assume was planted by someone, as it isn't native. Please feel free to leave C&C, and thank you for viewing.

Bob
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: NancyP on June 08, 2015, 08:56:30 pm: Interesting. Endless variety in the common flora. I have been on a wildflower kick recently, have found a number of Missouri-specific web resources for identification, maybe Maryland has some too. It is amazing how many tiny (1 mm or less) pollinators show up in the photos if you look at 100%.

The most amusing sight in my recent wanderings has been the performance of the jumping Asian (silver) carp at a causeway in flood stage. I didn't bother to photo them, it was too funny watching them try to clear the obstruction a few times and then succeed. The fishermen were frustrated - fish didn't bite.
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: polaris-14 on June 09, 2015, 12:58:57 pm: I've always wondered how to properly shoot wildflowers and you just showed me how to do it right. The first picture is amazing. I really like that composition and the green tone is very soft and pleasing.
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: NancyP on June 09, 2015, 01:39:07 pm: All hail to Bokeh!
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: Bob_B on June 09, 2015, 02:16:28 pm: Bokeh rules (most of the time).

Polaris-14, thanks. I appreciate your kind words.

NancyP: I've found several decent webpages with photos of roadside weeds from locales close to but not in Maryland. I am particularly interested to know the name of the weed in the third photo. Re: Asian carp --- I thought all you had to do is sit and bang on something, and the fish literally flew out of the water and into your hands, face, stomach, etc. ;)
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: Bob_B on June 10, 2015, 07:35:09 pm: One more...
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: davidh202 on June 10, 2015, 10:27:08 pm: Quote from: Bob_B on June 09, 2015, 02:16:28 pm
I am particularly interested to know the name of the weed in the third photo.
looks like common Mullin weed to me. We have plenty here in VA
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mullein+Plant&FORM=RESTAB
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: thierrylegros396 on June 11, 2015, 05:21:43 am: I like the lighting of the 2nd.

Have a Nice Day.

Thierry
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: Bob_B on June 11, 2015, 09:06:53 am: Quote from: davidh202 on June 10, 2015, 10:27:08 pm
looks like common Mullin weed to me. We have plenty here in VA
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mullein+Plant&FORM=RESTAB

Thanks. That's the one for sure. I've seen this week often but never knew its name.
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: NancyP on June 12, 2015, 07:21:54 pm: Mullein AKA "cowboy toilet paper". ;D The leaves really are velvety and soft.
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: Bob_B on June 12, 2015, 08:08:30 pm: Quote from: NancyP on June 12, 2015, 07:21:54 pm
Mullein AKA "cowboy toilet paper". ;D The leaves really are velvety and soft.

In this particular case, I'll take your word on it. ;)
Title: Re: Wildflower macros
Post by: NancyP on June 12, 2015, 08:21:47 pm: I haven't tested it personally, mind....
;)