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Fun with Macro

Spidery Goodness
Spidery Goodness

For Christmas, HH gave me a macro lens for my Nikon D40X camera.  I have been playing around with it since with mixed results.  He bought it so I could take extreme bug closeups.  I often write articles about insects:  the good, the bad and the ugly, and many publications want photos with the articles.

A rose that is ready for its closeup
A rose in the softest, palest pink

I’d zoomed in with my other camera lens, but when you must get so close to the insect to almost touch it, well . . . it flies away, or may even sting you.  Insects are cranky that way.

While at the GWA Symposium in Portland last fall, I went to a great session by David Perry and Mark Turner.  They shared shots they took during the convention with their small point and shoot cameras and explained how they did it.  The pictures were amazing, and the photographers humble, but I suspect talent and expertise had something to do with their success.

I’ve used their tips and ideas about positioning and light.  I like my little P&S, a Sony CyberShot, similar to this Sony Cybershot DSCW120 7.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot (Silver).  It stays in my car for the occasional sunrise or frolicking horse I see during kid transport.  My children share my enthusiasm when I stop the car on the side of the road and jump out, camera in my left hand, my right, one finger up, indicating I’ll be only a moment.  They’re so proud of their mother’s journalistic efforts. You should try it with your kids.  They love it.  They really do.

But I digress . . . .

A bit of Hydrangea in repose
A bit of Hydrangea macrophylla in repose

Even though I enjoy the Sony, I love my Nikon D40X and D90 best.  These are some of my macro photos of a beautiful bouquet I bought for a dinner party I had last weekend.  I found gorgeous white Hyrdrangeas and lime green spider mums in an Oklahoma Target.  They came with the palest pink roses.  Amazing, I know!  I bought two bouquets and combined them to get a “best of” combo.  Even so, they were cheaper than an arrangement from a florist.  If Target keeps this up, we really will have to pronounce it “Tar-jay.”   They still look great, although the roses are showing their age.

When I walk by the table, I tell them, “me too,” and then I laugh.

I think winter is getting to me.

This afternoon, I went to a local nursery just to walk around and breathe the air.   I bought some seeds.  I feel better.

Another shot of the bouquet
Another shot of the bouquet
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13 January, 2009 By Dee Nash

Filed Under: Gardening

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dollybelle

    18 January, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Beautiful photos Dee. I’m almost ready to join you with a Nikon. You’re pictures make me want to go right now and get one.

  2. Jan(ThanksFor2Day)

    15 January, 2009 at 9:57 pm

    Dee,
    I have a Nikon D40-X also! I have a 300mm longer lens which I like, but would really like to get a more powerful one like a 500mm or higher. AND, I want the Macro-Lens, as well! Wants, wants, wants…vs. needs, needs, needs…If I can afford it I’d like it for my birthday but since it’s not a ‘need’ it may need to wait:)
    I LOVE the way those macro lenses work. Every photo I’ve seen on your post is just beautiful:)
    Jan

    Why, Jan, thank you so much. Yes, there are always more wants.~~Dee

  3. Cindy, MCOK

    15 January, 2009 at 3:14 am

    Wow, what a difference a great lens can make. I’ve got a Sony CyberShot, too, and I’ve been fairly happy with it. I think I need to order the CD you mentioned, though, and see if it can help me use it more effectively.

    Cindy, MCOK´s last blog post..Misguided Monarchs

  4. Sherry

    14 January, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    I have been using the macro for taking photographs of my indoor forced bulbs. I also have been using it for decorator shots. It is a fun lens. I did take many butterfly photos last year with it.
    You will enjoy macro.
    Sherry

    Sherry´s last blog post..Once in a lifetime

  5. joey

    14 January, 2009 at 8:20 pm

    Have a ball with your new macro lens, Dee, and keep posting your beauties 🙂

    joey´s last blog post..‘CALM BEFORE THE STORM’ ~ DEEP DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

  6. Robin Wedewer

    14 January, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    I love the macro lens too, Dee, although I have to admit that lately my latest use is for photographing things that I cook! It’s probably a result of the freezing weather.

    Robin Wedewer
    National Gardening Examiner

  7. Linda at Meadowview Thymes

    14 January, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    A stroll through a nursery is always good therapy! Spring just can’t be far away, can it? 🙂

    Linda at Meadowview Thymes´s last blog post..Garden Journals

  8. Lisa at Greenbow

    14 January, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Love the macro shots Dee. I can’t wait to see what all you find in your garden to “macro”.

  9. Brenda Kula

    14 January, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    You always have wonderful photos, Dee, no matter what it is you’re using! I’m suffering from “flower withdrawal” as well…
    Brenda

    Brenda Kula´s last blog post..Chaos In The Garden Room

  10. Sandy

    14 January, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Beautiful. I would love to have one for my Nikon.

    Sandy´s last blog post..january 13th sunrise

  11. Anonymous

    14 January, 2009 at 11:21 am

    I was wondering if those were your flowers!! Love the macro! Can’t wait to see your bug shots! (I’m going outside today, to ‘feel better’)

  12. paula

    14 January, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Very nice shots. What’s the lens? I hate struggling to get my 70-300mm, left over from the 35mm, into macro mode. then I can’t get it out.

    paula´s last blog post..We Have Sleeves

  13. Jean

    14 January, 2009 at 9:24 am

    Dee, I used to go to nurseries on my lunch break, just to relax. Great shots. I do wish I had a macro lens for my Canon Rebel XTI but can’t afford it just yet. So I use my P&S camera as well (an old HP one). Again, great shots and you’ll get even better.

    Jean´s last blog post..Beds and Stones and Lawns

  14. Marnie

    14 January, 2009 at 7:56 am

    Lovely photos. I like your idea of visiting a nursery. It would be wonderful to walk thru a greenhouse and smell that warm earth and see some color.
    Marnie

  15. Sherri

    14 January, 2009 at 8:07 am

    Dee, I think your picture taking is wonderful! I love taking pics. Keep up the good work!

  16. Okie Sister

    14 January, 2009 at 6:44 am

    I bought my last bouquet at a grocery store in OKC for about 20 bucks. It would have cost four times that at the florist.

    Love the macro shots. You will be able do to a lot with that lens.

    How great that you share your passion for the world around you with your children.

    Oh, no, my children are mortified that I’m standing outside in the cold, wet, whatever, taking pictures. Two are teens, and they wish I’d just fade into the woodwork while being their chauffeur. Sorry, you thought I was bragging. I was actually being sarcastic. 🙂 ~~Dee

  17. Susan Tomlinson

    14 January, 2009 at 4:44 am

    Well if you’re are showing your age, then you are showing it well!

    Susan Tomlinson´s last blog post..Woot! Tagged by Garden Rant

  18. Tessa

    13 January, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    Oooo! I’ve been wanting to break into the SLR world- I keep drooling over everyone’s beautiful photos!

    Tessa´s last blog post..My Garden’s Mission Statement???

  19. deb

    13 January, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    Great pictures. I need lessons, my pictures bite.

  20. Gail

    13 January, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    A D40 and a D90…I am feeling green! My camera is almost dead..so when ever someone talks about their camera it’s like a carrot is dangled in front of my nose! Tell me more I love camera talk! gail

    Gail´s last blog post..A Little Whine Helps On A Gray, Cold Day

  21. Mr. McGregor's Daughter

    13 January, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    How fun! I wish I had a DSLR & a macro lens too. Closeups provide such a different view of things. Those flowers still look good to me, although those green mums look kind of fake. Go ahead, call it “Tar-jay,” we always do.

    Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog post..Adventures in Overwintering Tender Plants

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Hi, I’m Dee, a professional garden writer and speaker born and raised in Oklahoma. Here you’ll find all my best dirt on gardening and travel. Welcome!

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