My finished color transparencies came back from the lab the other day. I finally had the time to scan after dinner on Sunday. These were all taken in the Ceres Nature Preserve.
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This is a handheld shot of young ferns just beginning to open. I took this photo with my 85mm lens as close as I could get without using my close up attachment lens. I didn’t have my tripod and I wanted to preserve some context.
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I turned about 90 degrees and moved back a little (I couldn’t move too far because I was standing on a little bridge). The ferns in the lower right corner are the same ones I shot close up. Both of these photos were taken almost four weeks ago.
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I came back about a week later. I had the car that morning so I brought my tripod. I set up as low as it would go on the little bridge for a wide angle shot using my 24mm lens. This gives you a much better idea of the context. I didn’t hang around long because the mosquitoes were out already.
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More context. This is a side trail just off the main trail. It was my last shot of the day taken on the way out of the park. I used my tripod and my normal (50mm) lens for this one. If you have a tripod, use it. I was able to stop down for nice depth of field for this photo and I had no worries about camera shake either.
I was using my Nikon F3HP on full manual. Once I had my composition and exposure, I locked the mirror up and tripped the shutter with a cable release.
I discovered that carrying my tripod wasn’t so bad after all. I purchased a nice carrying strap (less than $15) so I can sling the pod over my shoulder. I think lightweight tripods are an oxymoron. You need all the mass you can get. My pod weights about 7 1/2 pounds and it’s a decent one. Of course I had the car (clever eh?) so I didn’t have to schlep the load back and forth from home, a mile each way.
One of these days, I will try walking and carrying the tripod because I want to play with B&W and the tripod is one of the most valuable tools for nature photography.
Be sure to visit Lisa’s Chaos for more Macro Monday photos. Thank you Lisa. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share.
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PS — Here’s my first flower of Spring. I took this one in my back yard (using my tripod of course). This is from the same roll of trannys.
EXCELLENT! These are wonderful!
Love those unopened fern and the yellow flower, so pretty.
Love the fiddleheads – I really should take my tripod out more often, but Mr. DBM is refusing to go anyway with me any more if I have any camera gear! Shame really, since he is very useful in the carrying department.
Your pictures are very well taken.
These are fantastic shots. I was looking yesterday for a portable tripod but didn’t find any decent price. I have one that looks bulky. Anyway as I said they are fantastic shots.
Beautiful to see the ferns opening.
Ferns always look like tiny fists just before they unfurl. Lovely.
Love the shot of the young ferns, they look so delicate at that stage. This looks like a beautiful place to explore, your photos of the area are gorgeous.
I rarely use a tripod either, mine tends to gather a lot of dust.
Lovely photos John, ferns have such an artistic shape. What a beautiful scene and reflection in the third photo.
Lovely dandelion macro too.
The ferns are so pretty as the unfurl! Aren’t dandelions bright and cheerful?
dandelions are the macro of the day. we all seem to be taken in by them. for me it is the colour. beautiful shots of the fern.
I could so be there…much silence and serenity I’m sure!!
My macro is one of the best things in life….my grandson’s teeny tiny hand at age 1.
Stop by if you can, I’d love your company today.
Just beautiful John!
I love your first flower of Spring, yellow and green is just such a perfect much!
Great photos – what a nice spot. Definitely clever to use the car.
Great photos
Ferns always fascinate me. They are so delicate and intricate. They definitely grew a lot in a week. Great macro.
I love your macro on the ferns and the wide angle shot, it seems lika a beautiful place. I´m planning to buy a tripod soon and looking forward to see the improvement in my photos. Have a nice evening!
I haven’t use tripod yet, but should invest in one..Beautiful pictures!
I remember when I was young my mother used to cook ferns. Does this one edible too? Happy Monday!
MacroMonday~Teacup
Interesting question but I have no idea if these particular ferns are edible.
Nice nature set John!
It’s true that a tripod can make all the difference in the world. I haven’t shot film in so long. In fact I don’t even have my old 35mm anymore. I love digital so that I can take a ton of photos and not feel like I am wasting film. Your photos are really nice and they were worth the wait. The fiddleheads on ferns are so alien looking. fun to take pics of.
Thanx for adding in the dandy! Isn’t it funny how eager they are? I love the emerging ferns! Beautiful and green!
The woods look wonderful! I love the ferns, the first picture especially. And yes, I think having some of the surrounding area for context is perfect, especially since the brown of the leaves and the leafmould is such a great foil for the colour.
Great tips too!
Oh my, but these are lovely. I especially like the ferns, and I like the way you’ve given us a sense of their size.
Enjoyed both the photos and the context you add to them. I’ll be back.
Excellent photos. the ferns look wonderful all curled up.
I think it was a great idea to shoot the opening ferns again some time later. It’s great to see the evolution!
Wonderful wonderful photos! They give a real feel of the essence of the place!
Re difficulty loading my blog last Friday, I am finding that certain meme links (with a long list of links in particular – like Skywatch Friday), are becoming harder and harder to load! Many times I am having to click and re-click the link, but eventually there is a connection! I have no idea why this is happening! Sorry you had trouble, but thank you for trying!
these are excellent – really love the ferns budding and the third photo. That green is so vibrant, and it’s just beginning! Love ‘em!
Great looking ferns. You are right about how quickly they change. I was out yesterday and while there are a few tight spirals still around most of them have opened.
Handheld or not – the first shot of the ferns unfolding is great – nice subject and good composition.
The fern shots are great. I’m not sure either which varieties are edible. We ate some fiddleheads on a trip to Maine and they were quite tasty.