Thursday, November 21, 2013

Magnified

Before I broke down and bought a macro lens, I shot for a few weeks with an Opteka magnifier my daughter had given me years before. It screws on to the front of the lens just like a filter or polarizer. As I continued to use it, I began to realize that I would always love macro. And that's when I bought the 100mm macro.

These are some shots I took with the Opteka magnifier in the month of June.









35 comments:

Unknown said...

These are gorgeous! I love the reflection in the water drop.

Unknown said...

You are the master of macro! Love the bugs!

Anonymous said...

Interesting photos. I will have to try my new magnifying lens one of these days. I am getting too fond of this iPhone, while my new camera sits idled on the pantry shelf.. Dianne

Anonymous said...

Wow - truly magical. Love that shot of the water drop!

TexWisGirl said...

wow, gail, these are just gorgeous!!!

TexWisGirl said...

that first one is just magical - the way the bug is encircling the base of the flower.

cath said...

Des photos extraordinairement belles !

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Wow! I might have to look into getting one of those magnifiers. It does nice work (at least, in your hands) and is probably far less expensive than a macro lens. These are all stunning, but my favorite is the water droplet. The detail inside the droplet is just incredible.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I love the second pic!

The boots you like were my grandmother's back in the day. I'm very fond of them too.

Autumn said...

I love the bugs, the water droplet, and (most especially) the stamen! Gorgeous composition.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Wow that's amazing how vividly it captures close-ups!

renae said...

Magnificent photos using a magnifier! Wow. You are super talented. I specifically loved the inner portions of the white flower (stamens?)

I really enjoy your posts, so much Gail!!!

Evelyn S. said...

I bought the Opteka magnifier months ago after seeing your photos. I really need to practice with it! I have another magnifier lens, too. Like you, I LOVE macro, but I haven't done much with it lately. Maybe I should pull those little lenses out and see what I can do. (The water drop and the blue color are my favorite!)

Suzan said...

Your Macro shows whole another world - Like in Horton Hears a Hooooooo!!
That first bug looks like a baroque pearl. It looks like a spider due to the two body parts, but it only has six legs so it has to be an insect and I just can't see the three body parts.
And the hairy blooms and flowers and pistols from the flowers.
LOVELY!!

Hootin Anni said...

Well, in my opinion you just cant go wrong with images of flowers...that red one is what I'd call delicious....such a deep rich color...geranium buds?!

I never heard of this magnifier.


Happy Thanksgiving to you since I'm not gonna be online next week!!! Hope it's safe, happy, and healthy!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Amazing shots. The clarity is wonderful.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

I just popped in to see what you were up too and thank you for your kind email. I see you are still taking photos that make my spirit sing and a birds-eyes view of GOD's creations.

I pray you have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving with much love around you from family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for, even when we are in a full blown trial of sorts and think the walls will cave in. GOD is good and HE will and does carry us over those deep pits and places us down on soft ground with much love.

Hugs to you and yours.

Our photos said...

WoW ! Your photos are so beautiful.

Kim Stevens said...

Wow, such great shots...I've never heard of that before. I shoot with the 40mm macro and sometimes it is hard to get that close to things. I guess I have learned the art of stalking, lol! One day I will get that 105mm...sigh! :)

eileeninmd said...

Awesome macro shots. My favorite is the droplet. Well done, have a happy weekend!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh my Gosh Gail these are incredible. Hug B

Anonymous said...

These are awesome, Gail.

Dave said...

Gail

As always just breath taking photos. I think you will like your macro lens, much to my surprise mine has become my favorite and most used lens.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

These are gorgeous! The one of the purple flower with the drop of water--amazing. I don't have a macro lens and didn't know about the magnifier. Maybe I'll look into that. I, too, like the up close shots.

I'm a new follower. You have a beautiful blog!

hootnonny said...

As always, Gail, I'm in awe!

Pallavi said...

So beautiful! I am always in awe of your pictures! Wish I could take such stunning shots too :)

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful macros!

Brian King said...

The Opteka is no slouch! No one could tell the difference if you didn't mention it. Gorgeous! The detail is darn good.

Indrani said...

I love the reflections in the water drop. Very lovely captures.

Barbara said...

I love macro, too, being able to see up close and personal God's miracles. These are awesome! I think I have one of those magnifiers somewhere. I'm going to have to give it a try, although I don't think mine's as good as yours!

Misty said...

Breath-taking pictures!! All the pictures here on your blog are gorgeous.

Wally Jones said...

Well, the Opteka appears to work just fine and your new macro is wonderful.

However, it ain't the equipment!

You're very talented, Gail, and we thank you for sharing with us!

Rosemary Aubut said...

Well done Gail! Love the water drop!

Donna said...

Fabulous shots

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Gorgeous photos and thanks to your sweet daughter for the gift that got you hooked on macro! We're all beneficiaries of it!