Pictures taken on a dark and rainy day, so the light coming from a window was very low causing typical exposure times of 1 second @ f/8 despite an ISO setting of 800. Blackberries proved to be hard to focus critically in such low light levels. Water adds interesting highlights and increases contrast. Fruit were thoroughly washed under running water as they seemed covered in an unsightly gray dust (soil or, maybe, pesticides).

[ToddK]

Very nice images Richard, and the water really adds to them. I can see your point about thoroughly washing them. Their form naturally attracts and holds dirt and whatever else floats around in the air.

[RICHARD L.]

Thank you for your appreciative comments. These blackberries came from Watsonville, California. I know, for having seen it in person, that pesticides are used in U.S. fruit production and that the soils near Santa Cruz, Monterey or in the Central Valley are light loams susceptible to wind erosion (I worked with soil conservationists and agronomists for more than 25 years). So better wash before eating ...

Regards