An odd thing

I have chosen a rather random picture today, and of course; it’s of a rather odd thing to go with my rather strange mood.  Before I confuse you any further, allow me to explain.

It’s my birthday tomorrow, and for the last week I have been annoying all my friends by giving them a daily countdown. This afternoon I went for a walk in the woods, slightly with the intent that I might calm down a bit by the time I got home (no such luck!).

As ever, I was attached to my macro lens. I spotted this fungus on a fallen branch, which wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, but I liked how it seemed to glisten in the sun. I used low-key mode to try and make for a more dramatic shot.

Hopefully I will stop being quite so irritating after tomorrow! Have a good rest of the evening.

Bex

x

Finer Things

I've finally had chance to get out and take some photos! Today, I went to our local woods with Bex. When I (eventually) got the camera off of her, I took this photo of a tree that had been cut down years ago. I decided to use the flash to highlight the details like the fungi and moss which were clinging on to the side of it. I used quite a wide aperture (F3.9) which meant that lots of light went through the lens which, when coupled with using the flash, meant that the white highlights on the fungi became more noticeable. I really like how the flash picks out very fine details.

Again, next week I may not get many chances to take any photos. I shall try my best otherwise it’s up to Bex; which is probably no bad thing as I reckon she’s the better photographer!

I think that the flash really helps when picking out detail, but what do you think works best; using flash or increasing the ISO?

Mat

Getting close

I didn’t get a chance to take any industry photos today, so it’s more of the nature close ups again!! Today’s subject is a piece of fungus on a fallen log. I got in really close with the macro setting armed and took the shot.

I used aperture priority and opened it wide open to give the shallowest depth of field possible. I think this effect worked really well, and because of the higher shutter speed and taking the photo at a lower angle the shadows became a lot darker. I think this photo worked very well, although I think it may have been a little too dark.

I will take some more industry shots soon.  But what do you think I should do, now is your time to vote: Industry and man-made, or nature and landscape shots? Perhaps tweet us and tell us your favourite shots? http://www.twitter.com/DailyWanders

Mat

Small details, large effects

I went for a quick wander yesterday with Bex round our local area yesterday. We stopped for a minute so she could climb a tree- not as crazy as it sounds, she wanted to get a good shot. While Bex was out of action I spotted this piece of bark jutting out and thought that it would make an interesting photo. I took it with the flash on, but it was so powerful that the whole background got blacked out!! I’m impressed with this image, and how the bark is incredibly clear and very sharp against the black background. It looks like it's been set up.

I love nature, especially the small pieces of detail that we all miss in our busy day-to-day lives. Maybe we should slow down a little and observe the smaller, finer details of nature around us?

Mat