I literally jumped out of a vehicle and quickly snapped this shot on two separate occasions. I was on Steward duty both times so photography wasn’t a priority but how could I pass this up?! It was overcast both times so I decided to create an artistic version. I softened all the edges and made all the fruit and rust a little redder than it actually was.
After Combseed, one of the next wildflowers to start showing up is Fillaree (Erodium cicutarium) and they are now out in full force almost everywhere.
Fillaree
I always carry a Canon 500D Close Up Lens for the times when a lens won’t focus close enough. No reduction in exposure time makes it a better choice for a “hand holder” like me. Extension tubes or teleconverters might get me closer but besides losing an f/stop or two in light, you risk getting dust on the sensor because you have to remove the lens to attach them.
Cropped section of image shot using 500D close-up lens.
Finally, here’s an image showing red Fillaree leaves. Someone had asked me if it was a different plant but the red is a result of stress during very cold weather. Once again, I attached the 500D Close Up Lens to get this close.
(Note: the extreme close-ups were cropped from originals)
We had another gentle soaking rainstorm so things are getting greener and greener! Moss is especially interesting to check out when it’s actively growing and I spotted some beautiful specimens on a hike today. I tried my best to get an even closer look but it was on a steep crevice with crumbing rock so I didn’t risk it. However, I sure wish I had! When I zoomed in on the closest version, I saw a little green and almost transparent caterpillar!
Close
Closer
Little Glow Worm?
(REI presentation went very well, in case you wondered 🙂 )
I’ll be presenting a slideshow/lecture Tuesday (23rd) at the Paradise Valley REI at 6:30pm. I originally was just supposed to assist the “real” speaker, Richard Buchbinder, but he’s very ill so with the help of Barry White, we’ll do our best to share some photography tips. The winning photographs from last year’s MSC photo contest are presently on display and we’ll also be talking about the contest.
Hope to see you!
12634 N Paradise Village Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 996-5400
My “Digital Imaging Group” had our annual seminar this past Saturday which was a huge success. Click here for a photo and and description from DIG member Rusty Childress. Thanks, Rusty.
Then on Sunday, about 12 photographers joined our speaker, Jennifer Wu, for a day of photography and digital talk. Despite the rain, it was an excellent day!
Photographing reflections in parking lot
We were rained out for sunrise so we decided to enjoy breakfast and then to head to a classroom (thanks Carol!) where Jennifer Wu shared her favorite photography and photoshop tips with us until about 4pm.
Then we headed to the Gateway Trailhead of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with high hopes.
Light was challenging but we were all rewarded with a little bit of color.
And thanks, Claire, for letting us stay past sunset! All in all, an excellent day 🙂
On the hike yesterday, I spotted numerous wildflowers not yet bloomed. There were so many varieties that I think it would be worthwhile to check the trail again in a few weeks. One particular plant caught my eye because I’ve never seen so many in one place. It’s shown on the right below. The blooms on the left are a single plant in my yard last year which came from a wildflower seed packet.
Desert Bluebells (Phacelia campanularia)
I enjoyed an adventurous hike in the Tonto National Forest this morning. We started near the Seven Springs campground and hiked about 6 miles (round trip) to see an impressive giant Crested Saguaro. (see the hikers below?) Definitely the largest crested I’ve seen so far!
The ultimate goal of the city of Scottsdale is to preserve a corridor for animals from the McDowell Mountains all the way to the Tonto National Forest totalling 36,000 acres. So far, we have a little over 16,000. A worthwhile goal!
A single Desert Marigold bloom in my yard. Promise of lots more, though!
With Topaz Detail 2 “BW Contrasted” applied.
Chris loves being my model so it didn’t take any coaxing to get him out this morning 🙂
Here’s a glimpse of the awesome trail going through Rock Knob. It was built as a horse trail but is very popular with mountain bikers. (take note Jim K. and John W: Come on over any time for some mountain biking AND photography!)
