Days 22-28: Exploring close-up photography

I've been sick for awhile, so my pictures of the day for the past week haven't been taken one-a-day. Because of that, however, I've found myself being fascinated by close-up photography.

Monday 4/16 - Thread

Being sick, I didn't really feel up to running around outside in the cold rain, looking for inspiration. I tried to find some inspiration with some spools of colorful thread and my lightbox, but the only thing I discovered was that I really was in need of a macro lens. Unfortunately, a macro lens really isn't in my budget right now, but close-up filters were. When I felt well enough to go out and about for a little bit on Friday, I picked up a set.

Friday 4/20 - Oliver's eye

I wanted to try out my new close-up filters, so I decided to use Oliver as a semi-willing subject. Getting him to stay still while I stuck a camera in his face was rather difficult.

Fortunately, I was feeling well enough (and the weather was cooperating enough) to go outside on Saturday and start taking pictures of spring using the new filters.

Saturday 4/21 - WPI in the spring

I loved the fiery red color against the clear blue sky.


I liked the way the flowers and buds on the in-focus branch mirrored the positions of the out-of-focus windows behind them, and the lighting made the flowers look dreamy.


I liked the way the light shone through the petals - though I wish I hadn't cut off part of the bottom petals.


This crocus reminds me of a painting, with the focus on the stamen(?) and the lens blur softening the rest of it.


This is my obligatory "greeting card" picture.

Every picture was taken hand-held. I think I might need to look into getting a low-to-the-ground tripod, a tarp (so I don't get as filthy as I did, crawling around on the not-quite-dry ground), and a whole lot more time and patience. Luckily, spring has just barely sprung, so there are a lot more warm, sunny, flowery days coming!