Theme 2 Nature Assignment Planning.

On the advice of Steve last week, I am planning a trip to the Botanical gardens on Saturday am to try the nature pics.
Spoken to them this morning and they are happy for me to do the photos providing they are for my own use and not to be used commercially. The place opens at 9.00 which is a little disappointing as I had hoped to get there earlier and use the early light and (anticipated) frosty conditions. Oh well will have to work with what we have.
I am aiming to emulate the photos of Guy Edwards on my blog with close up, macro type (without the macro lens). Will be particularly looking at light, colour and compostion as these I believe are the secrets of taking good nature pics.
Will also be mindful of the work of Chris Herring as I will try to create pics with abstract composition, shapes rather than specific objects.
Will take all my gear mentioned in the "theme" plan including the high vis jacket to alert the public to my presence, and my mate Dave to share the experience.

Vikas Malhotra - Famous Indian Photographer

Another interesting photographer. Many different aspects of photography but particularly liked this of the lilly.

As with the other nature photographs they have a very clear focal point and interesting tonal ranges. Again the colour makes the picture and especially the black background exagerates the whites of the flowers.

The texture of the flowers can almost be felt

More Pics in Nature

On the nature theme took these pics again in birmingham. Steve suggested there is a crossover to my other theme - the lines and Architectural features give it away. Liked the shapes created by the leaf and the tones created by the shadows.









This poppy appeared in the entrance to the Cathedral. The shapes, colours and tone ranges are interesting. The depth is created by the blurr of the rear poppy.

Nature Assignment

Whilst taking my daughter to school the other day, I noticed the fantastic array of colour and wildlife on the lakes outside the JCB factory, in Uttoxeter. The sun was just rising and the colour on the trees was spectacular. Shame I did not have my camera with me but it served to provide another opportunity to photograph.
I will returnearly one morning with camera to capture and record the scene. But need to make sure the sun rise is clear so will carefully watch the weather forecast over the next few days.
Will take my tripod as the light will be low, my wide angle lens for the panorama shot of the lakes and trees and my 75-300 zoom to try to capture the wildlife. Interesting tip on the entry below to put the focus on Al-servo to maintain the focus even if the object moves.
Will also take the H&S precaution as noted on the earlier assignment as the "good" shots will be taken near water and the adjacent road. High Viz vest, torch and wellies for the long grass shots.