macro monday

I had a few hours alone (gasp!) last Saturday, so I packed up the camera and headed out to a local rose garden. Lately I have been inspired by Ashley at Ramblings and Photos, and she is a master at macro photography. She also has me breaking the 10th commandment as I am coveting her new macro lens. I don't have a dedicated macro lens, so I had to get a little creative with my cropping.

I'm not a pro, (you've realized that by now, right?), and I always say I learn something new at each photo shoot. Here are a few things I learned this time:

1. If you're bending down to take pictures of flowers and your hair is long, consider tying it back. Unless you are working on patience or some other type of character-building, untamed hair in combination with photographing flowers on a windy day should be avoided at all costs. At the very least, wear a hair bob on your wrist. You'll thank me later.

2. If possible, try to go on a cloudy day. Just like harsh lighting is not flattering to people, neither is it flattering to flowers. You will have blown out areas, harsh shadows and all-around yuckiness. (This has taken me a while to get through my thick head. Seems like flowers would be beautiful in the sunlight, right? You'll have much more even lighting if it's cloudy...or if you can find a shady spot).

3. Try to avoid going at 11:00am when it's 90 degrees and 90% humidity. This might cause feelings of general grumpiness.

4. Consider taking a friend. Or some pepper spray. What interesting characters you will find at a rose garden, even at mid-morning. If your friend is not needed for security detail, maybe she will help you hold back your hair.

You're welcome.

Here are a few of my favorites: