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Monday, April 13, 2015

Wide Open

Ever since I took the basic photography course from the talented Aaron Hogan a few weeks ago, I've been playing with different settings on my camera. Lately I've been shooting on the largest aperture possible. For two solid years I had been shooting on f/8, and while that seems to be the sweet spot on all my lenses, the trade-off was losing that luscious, creamy background. In addition to going wide open with the aperture, I lowered the ISO, taking it off 1600 and putting it on 100, 200 or 400, depending on the light. I've really enjoyed taking control over my shots instead of letting my camera make the decisions for me.
Tiger Swallowtail.

Anyone know what kind of plant this is? The thorny stems fascinated me.

Macro of purple thistle.

An orange clump of pansies in the middle of purple and gold ones.

Two x Two

Cilantro

I was captivated by this pansy that sprang up between the bricks.

A great illustration of a smooth background as a result of f/2.8.

In this instance, f/8 would have focused more on the bee below. Do you see it?
But I wasn't going for that in this instance and I like how it turned out.
I appreciate everyone who stops by to visit. Thank you for lifting my spirits with your words of encouragement. So far, blogging once a week has been going pretty well. I still get to see what most of you are doing, and also have time to go out and see what the world has to offer.

41 comments:

  1. Author R. Mac WheelerApril 13, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    oh phun. Experimentating. Cool. But I think my camera is smarter than me. :)

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  2. Author R. Mac WheelerApril 13, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    Did I mention...loved your photos

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  3. IrmaApril 13, 2015 at 7:41 AM

    Hi Gail,
    I love the first picture !!
    Good that you maintain control over your own camera.
    Large aperture F 5.6 always gives a nice soft background.

    Blogging once a week HAS BEEN going pretty well.
    You're right, I'm also going to do it quieter.
    Also responding, I do not do more every day.
    Have a good new week.

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  4. nookwormApril 13, 2015 at 8:06 AM

    Wonderful results. You are sooooooo skilled as a photographer who continues to experiment and learn. These are beautiful and amazing shots.

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  5. rainfield61April 13, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    I play with f/2.8 all the while.
    Love macro.

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  6. AnonymousApril 13, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    Oh my - so gorgeous with those dreamy backgrounds!

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  7. TexWisGirlApril 13, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    lovely, dreamy shots!

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  8. Kim StevensApril 13, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    Great job Gail, these are awesome, and I love the little pansy in the sidewalk crack too. I shot a pic of the same thing with thorns but have no idea what it is.

    I only currently have a 40mm macro, so sometimes I have to stop down a bit depending on what I'm shooting and what I'm trying to get in focus, and how close I am to my subject. but mostly I shoot wide open too.

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  9. DeniseinVAApril 13, 2015 at 12:08 PM

    Oh my gosh Gail, those are exquisite shots. These are great tips too, thank you so much for passing those on.

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  10. Evelyn S.April 13, 2015 at 3:21 PM

    What a fabulous photo array, Gail! I've always admired and envied your photos, and it's wonderful to see some new "angles." I do love the "dreaminess" of these images.

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  11. StephanieApril 13, 2015 at 5:42 PM

    Beautiful shots!

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  12. ShugApril 13, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    I like whatever it is that you are doing...of course, I've always thought your photos were GREAT. When it comes to all the details of the settings on a camera....I find myself LOST. I have to give you a big clap for having such wisdom to figure it all out...

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  13. MichelleApril 13, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    You are very talented with your camera! These shots are beautiful!

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  14. Gone CountryApril 13, 2015 at 7:50 PM

    Awesome shots! If I ever get time to play with my camera again I will have to play with the aperture a bit.

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  15. Ruth HiebertApril 13, 2015 at 9:25 PM

    Your photos are amazing.

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  16. AnonymousApril 13, 2015 at 9:45 PM

    Beautiful shots, Gail.

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  17. DebbieApril 13, 2015 at 10:05 PM

    oooooo Gail, your images are just stunning!!

    When I come here, I am encouraged by your knowledge of photography, your dedication to the art of it!!

    I know nothing of what you speak of here. I use my Nikon like a point and shoot, always on auto focus. I have no idea how to edit a picture.....I guess I just take pictures for fun. Again, yours are so beautiful and I enjoyed all the purple ;)

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  18. MelissaApril 13, 2015 at 10:35 PM

    Love it! And good for you for experimenting. Sounds like a fun class!

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  19. renae April 13, 2015 at 11:18 PM

    hi Gail!

    Oh I do know you came to see me. I re-read my comment and I wasn't sure what I was trying to convey. Please know I care about you, ok?

    These photos are tremendous, absolutely tremendous!!! ---especially the pansy all by it's self --- wow!!!!!

    Coming back to blogging and being at a new site has it's learning curve. I almost feel like I am completely starting over with about 20 people by my side. I'm so glad I am at "renae's repertoire" this time around, oh so much. It is better but still learning it.

    love to you, sweet friend, Gail!
    ♥renae
    renae's repertoire
    renaesrepertoire.com

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  20. Petra PavlátkováApril 14, 2015 at 4:05 AM

    Beautiful captures, Gail. These really wide apertures are quite tricky to get the right focus but create a nice and soft result...

    I had a look at the Aaron Hogan's website you provided a link to and I really liked his presentation. It must have been a good experience to participate in his photography course.

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  21. eileeninmdApril 14, 2015 at 5:04 AM

    Hello Gail, your flowers and images are just beautiful. Well done! Have a happy day!

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  22. Anni April 14, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    ...and your class learning shines!!! Gail, these are all so exceptionally beautiful.

    Thanks for visiting and leaving such a caring message for me.

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  23. LindaApril 14, 2015 at 10:29 AM

    Glorious and gorgeous capture, Gail!!!

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  24. HannahApril 14, 2015 at 12:02 PM

    Thanks for sharing hints from your photography course. I really enjoy all your shots with the sharp focus on the flower and muted background. I used to grow a citrus called a Flying Dragon, Poncirus trifoliata, with thorns like that and white flowers, it seems the petals were a little more rounded, but if the leaves are glossy like a citrus that might be it. I find posting once a week but linking as much as I can a good balance too.

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  25. JoyApril 14, 2015 at 2:25 PM

    Hope I learn photography too, but time is limited gor another hobby. But I did enjoyed your shots:)

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  26. AnonymousApril 14, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Don't recognize the thorny plant. you have such unusual flora in LA. Love the Swallowtail. Must be new as the birds have not ripped off his tails yet.

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  27. KathyApril 14, 2015 at 7:00 PM

    I do like the soft look of all these photos.

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  28. Anita JohnsonApril 14, 2015 at 10:35 PM

    Beautiful photos and a challenge too. Sometimes I just get into the habit of using the settings that my camera sets...and what a difference these settings made in your photos. Ok, you have made me think. I also want to use a tripod more consistently...but sometimes I feel like it's like setting up a giraffe, those long legs are so frustrating.
    PS I have found blogging a few times a week to suit me well too!

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  29. UnknownApril 15, 2015 at 2:24 AM

    Gorgeous photos! I love the butterfly and the thistle. Nice work!

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  30. diane bApril 15, 2015 at 5:37 AM

    You have put your new knowledge into practise very well. Great narrow DOF shots

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  31. hootnonnyApril 15, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    Wonderful shots, Gail! I love the pansy in the brick. Actually, I love them all!

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  32. Bethany CarsonApril 16, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    Beautiful captures! Pansies are some of my favorite flowers.

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  33. IrmaApril 16, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    I have Facebook, and have sent you a friend request.

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  34. StephanieApril 16, 2015 at 11:40 AM

    The colors are so warm and refreshing, dear Gail. I love the image with the orange Pansies and the blurred edges.

    Your work is truly stunning! Hugs to you, sweet friend!

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  35. Kenneth Cole SchneiderApril 16, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Truly artful images! Love the way the full aperture isolates the subjects, and the color is vivid!

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  36. AnvilcloudApril 17, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    Your photos have always been excellent, but it's good to learn. Ah ... to have a good lens that opens to 2.8. :)

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  37. HelmaApril 17, 2015 at 1:06 PM

    My God ...... what a wonderful photos Gail !!! Really fantastic! I read that you have followed and photography course but you made it always very nice pictures. My compliments for all these beauties.
    Sincerely, Helma

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  38. IndraniApril 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    You have mastered photography! Wonderful shots!

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  39. Sallie (FullTime-Life)April 19, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Oh such beautiful pictures ... It makes sense for someone as talented as you are to get off auto. Anyone , even me, can take a picture using autofocus. I couldn't begin to duplicate your art!

    And yes I'd definitely say blogging is going well for you and I'm sure I'm not your only fan who is grateful that it is!

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  40. SusanApril 20, 2015 at 11:44 PM

    Love the pansies! Great photos, Gail!

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  41. SuzanMay 25, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    Marvelous shots Gail!!
    It's wonderful that you are open to learning new things!!! Especially since I think of you as a genius of photography and Macro!!

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