Week 28

f2.8, 1/500 sec., ISO-200, 100 mm macro

Week 28 - September 9 - 15, 2012

Today's photo is brought to you by the fox tails behind Grandview Arena!  

The area behind the arena is mainly weedy.  I have found this spot to be a great place to get some interesting photos of fox tails, grasses, thistles, leaves and some small flowers.  Each time I go to this spot, the plant growth is different.  It's funny how some days, the fox tails look amazing in the light and on other days, I don't give them a second look.  

I was pleased with the dark background of this photo as it makes the grasses stand out more.  

Week 27

f8, 1/350 sec., ISO-200, 100 mm macro

Week 27 - September 2 - 8, 2012

Here I am back at Hillcrest Park with my macro lens.  We were here last week with our visitor from London, Ontario.  However, I only had my "regular" 18-55 mm lens and 135 mm telephoto.  So I knew I had to come back with the macro to get more floral shots.

As I have stated previously, the sunken gardens at Hillcrest Park are so beautiful.  This summer I have fallen in love with the cosmos flower.  I am definitely going to grow them in my own yard next year.  I loved the soft light on this photo and slight shadow.  It can be tricky with lighting during the day.  I do my best to avoid the bright sunshine.  

Week 25

f2.8, 1/350 sec., ISO-200, 100 mm macro

Week 25 - August 19-25

This photo was along the walking path, of course!  I had been out shooting and was on my way home when I came across these flowers that had grown up in the middle of some fur trees.  I knew that if I used a shallow depth of field I would blur the background and it would be nice and soft.  I was so pleased with the background as it reminds me of a watercolour painting. 

Week 24

f8, 1/250 sec., ISO-200, 100 mm macro

Week 24 - August 12-18, 2012

Well I have gotten a bit behind in my postings...yikes!  Playing a bit of catch up right now!!

Today's photo is a close up of what I call "thistle fluff".  These to me are the summer version of "snowflakes".  I don't want to start thinking about them just yet.  Plenty of time for that much later in the year!

This was one of the first times that I got really close to the fluffs and was amazed at the gorgeous patterns.  I love the delicate fine lines and the way they form a perfect circle.  These are fun to photograph and can be a challenge with the wind.  If Santa brings me a tripod, then I will certainly be trying that out next year!

Week 26

f2.8, 1/180 sec., ISO-200, 100 mm 

Week 26

Back on the nature path this week.  We have had amazing weather which is nice for me, not having to battle the elements.

Lots of things are changing daily along the path.  There are so many thistles and most of them are now seeding.  It makes for some interesting photography, with close ups of all the fluffs.  You just have to be careful and not rub up against the prickly leaves of the plant, something I have managed to avoid, so far!  I was walking along and noticed how neat these small thistles looked.  To me it looks like a soft makeup brush.  

I am still managing despite my sore thumb/wrist after the fall.  Will certainly be glad when it is 100%!