Cute But Stupid
Self Portrait?
Posted by amy (Nanaimo, BC, Canada) on 11 April 2007 in Plant & Nature and Portfolio.
amy got a macro... amy got a macro...
I call this macro of a pussy willow a self portrait at the suggestion of my husband as if you look closely enough at the main water drop you will see me with gorillapod (yes I bought one.. how did I live without one before?) wrapped around my neck as I was standing ankle deep in pond water trying to get this shot... whew, that's a run on sentence... All I've done is crop it down a tad.
You can view my gallery of images and calendar for sale at: cute but stupid . I'm slowly adding more to the site and if there is something in my portfolio you would like to purchase but is not available on my site just contact me and I'll make it available.
I appreciate all visits and comments and thank you always... ;-)
Behrooz from Tehran, Iran
Congrats! It's a great shot. I looked so hard but I failed to spot you :-(
11 Apr 2007 6:03am
@Behrooz: Hey Behrooz! I'm there but you really have to know what you're looking at.. Thanks a bunch and stay tuned for more.. ;-)
Anne from White Rock, Canada
Oh great stuff! A new macro!! I just got a new lens, but I couldn't stretch to one with a macro - it was one of those things I just out of the blue decided to do on pay-day (and I never impulse shop!?!) My wide angle will focus quite closely and zoom in, so will the new one - but I have to stand 5ft back to zoom up close. Anyway, you got a beautiful macro if this photo is anything to go by. It is absolutely lovely (what are you thinking of ankle deep in water - its still too damn cold in Alberta! Can't see you in the bubble - maybe you can in the larger original? ;-)
11 Apr 2007 6:52am
@Anne: Anne, I know what you mean with the zoom that's why I finally made the leap and sucked it up for the purchase of this lens. It's tricky see me in the bubble; I'm more of a solid light shadow.. kind-a.. how's that for technical!? But it's warming up nicely here and I was so excited trying to get the shot I didn't notice the water slopping into my hikers.. ;-)
Craiger from Vacaville, California, United States
Yea, I think I see ya in there. Sweet shot!
11 Apr 2007 6:57am
@Craiger: Thanks Craiger!! This new lens is so much fun!! ;-)
Art Monkey from Salt Spring Island, Canada
did anyone ever say that this shot is MACRO - hey how about micro? - no seriously this is a wonderful shot
ps - what is a gorillapod? - it seems to be in the monkey family - maybe I should have one also :)
11 Apr 2007 7:41am
@Art Monkey: Hey Art Monkey!! Actually the lens is a Nikon 60mm Micro.. so you are right in that. I'm tickled pink you like the shot. Now a gorillapod: they are sooo cool and yes you should get one! It's a small tripod that's made up of balls connected to each other so you can arrange the legs in just about any configuration including around tree trunks/branches, car mirrors, rocks, necks, arms, etc. I got the heavy duty one ('cause I'm a klutz to the extreme) and it cost $60. ;-)
Robert from Oshawa, Canada
Another nice water droplet shot, Amy. Cool self portrait. You got the droplet bang on and everything else has perfect softness.
11 Apr 2007 10:56am
@Robert: Thanks a bunch Robert! Hey, I tried leaving a comment on your birdwalking site but... it wouldn't stick. Don't know if it's my dial-up or your site is having some issues? It was a fantastic image; Heavy Sky I think it was called. It was just wonderful! ;-)
Laurie from New Jersey, United States
I love macros, I do a lot of them. I'm guessing you got the 60mm? I have the 60mm Nikon Micro.
This one is nice, but it could be sharper. I've learned the hard way about getting tack sharp photos with the macro.
I've found that you really must use a good tripod to get tack sharp photos, especially for macros. In fact I'd say it's essential to use a tripod when shooting macros. A cable release or remote is a great help, the timer can be used instead if you don't have the cable or remote. Mirror lock-up also helps with macros. I used to try to do without the above, but once I gave up and started using the above mentioned I saw a huge improvement in my macros. Yes it takes longer to do it but it's so worth it in the end.
I've also found that it's best to use manual focus when shooting with a macro lens. Auto focus isn't that good with macro and actually takes longer in the end.
I hope you have much success with the macro it's a lot of fun. Try the suggestions I made and I guarantee you will see the difference immediately.
11 Apr 2007 12:52pm
@Laurie: Laurie! Yeah, that's the same lens I bought. Great advice!! I'm just winging it here so your experiences can definitely give me a leg up!! Thank you!! ;-)
Jen from Jessup, United States
Being the macro nut I am...I Love It!!!!! perfect focus Amy!!!
I can barely see you in there, but the water droplet is amazing!!
Don't you love the gorillapod!!! I have one too, love wrapping around trees and even just on the ground with me on my stomach!!! : )
Can't wait to see more!!!
11 Apr 2007 1:33pm
@Jen: Jen, Jen, Jen!! You are a macro nut and I had hoped you'd like this one. Thanks a zillion!! And yes, there will be more because now I have a new obsession (besides stalking hummingbirds!) ;-)
@Rui Borges: Yes you do!! ;-)
Roberta Murray from Rocky Mountain House, Canada
Hey congrats on the macro! You are going to love it. Nice capture of the water drops on the pussy willow too. Are you ready to play on Saturday?
11 Apr 2007 2:59pm
@Roberta Murray: I am so ready for Saturday!! Ya think I can get a macro of a goose? lol ;-)
@JackGirl: Thank you JackGirl!! ;-)
@badala: I always appreciate your visits badala!! Thank you ;-)
@Beckie: Thanks Beckie!!! and for the visit ;-)
Rahul from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nice macro, i love this one. Great focus and cool shot. A tripod or a bit more steady hands would have captured it even better. Macro and night shots in a way follow the same philosophy - The more steady the camera the better the shot. Try that pal. :-) I am yet to lay my hands on macro shooting, no macro lens hehehe, will get one soon.
11 Apr 2007 5:23pm
@Rahul: Thanks Rahul. Yeah, it's that steady hands thing and firmer ground to stand upon. You must get a macro; they are way too cool! ;-)
@daisies: thanks a whole bunch ;-)
Lisa Reeve from Portland, United States
Good shot, but could have been a little sharper though.
12 Apr 2007 12:42am
@Lisa Reeve: Thank you... and you're right .. they'll get better .. I hope.. ;-)
Lydia from Ottawa, Canada
awsome macro shot! great colours, I can't believe how crisp the water droplet is! amazing!
12 Apr 2007 3:27am
@Lydia: Thank you so much Lydia!!
Stunner from Kingston, Jamaica
Wow! thats a great macro, I love how you captured the reflection in the droplet.
12 Apr 2007 3:51am
@Stunner: Hey there Stunner!! Thank you.. ;-)
kaveh from TEHRAN, Iran
the macro shot is Great. the DOF in this shot is perfect!!
13 Apr 2007 12:48am
@kaveh: Wow, kaveh, thank you oodles and oodles!! ;-)
@kk: Thank you.
Nikon D70
1/60 second
F/5.0
90 mm (35mm equiv.)