25 November 2011

Happy Hydrangeas; just loving the rain

With my Sony DSC-H1 back in action, I decided to take a punt and experiment, with the macro settings.  Not something I'd tried with success in the past; instead, cropping the subject from the larger photo seemed to achieve pretty much good enough, I thought.

Setting the zoom all the way to the W side was recommended.  The in-focus range becomes narrow, and while the complete subject may not entirely be in focus, the AF speed drops.  This is what the Read This First instructions told me.

Well I found to go that little step further really proved to be worthwhile.  In between steady showers of rain yesterday, and again today, the hydrangeas just starting to flower (ready for Christmas), were my target.











A bonus was finding this Senecio moth Nyctemera amicus!  Thanks to Don Herbison-Evans and this id-link courtesy Coffs Harbour Butterfly House.


Senecio, my macro-moth




Linking to Studio Waterstone for

and Tina's PicStory for

15 comments:

BernieH said...

They are all beautiful shots, Carole. The colours of your Hydrangeas are just gorgeous and the details in the shots is fantastic. It does seem like there's a bit of rain in various parts of the country at the moment. I know up here it's very very welcome after our long dry season.

Nadege, said...

Your Hydrangeas are beautiful, I especially love the purple ones.
The focus looks a little soft on the moth but what a beauty. Lovely captures.

Leovi said...

Beautiful photos, exquisite macros, these flowers are deliciously light and color a delicate and perfect. Greetings.

Joyful said...

Beautiful colours. Your bottom photo is so beautiful with the close up of the moth.

CameraCruise said...

Beautiful photos.
Gorgeous colours.
Have a great weekend.

Tina´s PicStory said...

wonderful flowers again carole! thanks for sharing with us :) may be you can check the link, it´s broken :(

Anna Amnell said...

Carole, your hydrangeas are lovely. Fine photos!

Ann said...

Oh how lovely... can almost touch them.

TexWisGirl said...

wonderful! i love the varying hues of hydrangeas. and water droplets just make them perfection!

Johnny Nutcase said...

beautiful macros, those little drops add so much! So pretty :) and happy!

Modern Mom said...

I love the colors of your hydrangeas!

Pink Flowers

Unknown said...

I don't like moths, but he is almost regal.

Judy said...

I love the first shot! Maybe it's the colour, or all the raindrops...

Sharyl said...

I'll have one of every color, please! Love the water dripping off the petals too. I'm not sure you can beat these flowers!

Heather T. said...

Wow, splendid!!