[Rondec]

It's not fair, we've still got 8 inches of snow in the bush. We haven't even seen a crocus this year, and it was -15 last light, -23º C two night ago.

Well, we did get a couple of inches of snow this morning and it was 29 F, but I still have my spring garden planted with spinach, lettuce and peas all poking their heads above the ground.

[Erictator]

I have to apologize if it's getting to be a bit much, but there is more... Almost makes you miss squirrels, no?

smc PENTAX-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM ƒ/5.6 300.0 mm 1/2500 ISO640


smc PENTAX-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM ƒ/7.1 300.0 mm 1/2500 ISO640


smc PENTAX-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM ƒ/5.6 300.0 mm 1/2000 ISO640

---------- Post added 03-21-18 at 12:08 PM ----------

Eric, interesting that the flutterbys are color coordinated to the flowers, superb shots mister.[B]
Best Regards, Bob

Thanks Bob. THAT is a very astute observation! I say that because, once again your comment is prophetic of some more (yes more, I know) flutterby shots in the queue to post, where this becomes even more obvious, to the point I had begun to notice the trend myself.

I think it probably is a natural progression for the flutterby's to avoid predation by the local birds, so they can blend into the flower colors while feeding. Within this garden, there were several species, all on their own variety of plants, and color coordinated just like you noticed. I even told my wife, if you are tired of Monarchs and want some yellow swallow tails etc, better plant some other variety yellow & blue colors to bring them in. I am still trying to find the ever elusive hummingbird moths around here... not sure what to plant for them.
Eric

[WPRESTO]

Eric

That is a fine set. Excellent technique capturing the BIF in perfect focus. If only I could do as well

[fs999]

fs999, savoche and DimC - Praise for all your pictures posted above this post of mine. Really fine images. A pleasure to see each of them.

Thank you !

Nice shot Savoche, DimC and Rondec !

Almost makes you miss squirrels, no?

Yes Superb shots !

FF Mode • 3200 ISO • WILL-WETZLAR MAGINON 1:2.8/90 MC projector lens


FF Mode • 200 ISO • HD Pentax DA 560mm F5.6 ED AW
Hawfinch


FF Mode • 800 ISO • Pentax DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM • Topaz Labs Texture Effects 2


FF Mode • 100 ISO • Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

[lesmore49]

FS999,

That Hawfinch shot is remarkable. The depth of field and the finch face is mesmerizing.

[fs999]

FS999,

That Hawfinch shot is remarkable. The depth of field and the finch face is mesmerizing.

Thank you ! Child and father

[eaglem]

Magenta Crepe Rose

[LeRolls]

[BruceBanner]

Picture perfect.

[jabobby]

jcdog2006, superb Bridalveil Falls shot, love the total clarity.
Eric, Around here they favor thistle plants with the pinkish flower. Also rhododendron with pink or lilac flowers but I see them more often on the thistle. Really loving your flutterby shots, very nice work.
Best Regards, Bob

[LeRolls]

LeRolls,

Your photos inspire me to shoot like you. Very nice!

Always nice to be able to inspire others.

Picture perfect.

Thank you kind sir.

[sbh]

Nice one! How did you do the lighting?

[LeRolls]

Nice one! How did you do the lighting?

I have the Magmod system for my flash but did not use it for this particular shot. Just natural light for that one.

Thank you for the kind words!

[Erictator]

That is a fine set. Excellent technique capturing the BIF in perfect focus. If only I could do as well

Hah... it's just slight of hand so I can fool you into thinking I know what I am doing. But thanks for the kind comment, much appreciated.

Everyone Some people I've read on forums say the DA*300 is so slow and inaccurate to focus, and some have SDM issues.
I find it a joy to use, makes me look better than I really am. Maybe because I use mine so much, I am keeping the SDM exercised an in tune? Who knows.
Thanks again,
Eric

---------- Post added 03-22-18 at 10:09 AM ----------

Thank you !

Nice shot Savoche, DimC and Rondec !


Yes Superb shots !

Thanks. And I agree, the finch pic has that 3D quality because of the transition from sharp focus with good DOF to the nice bokeh. That's a shot that should be printed.
Eric

---------- Post added 03-22-18 at 10:12 AM ----------

jcdog2006, superb Bridalveil Falls shot, love the total clarity.
Eric, Around here they favor thistle plants with the pinkish flower. Also rhododendron with pink or lilac flowers but I see them more often on the thistle. Really loving your flutterby shots, very nice work.
Best Regards, Bob

Thanks, and for the tip too! I will look into the other variety of thistle. The milk thistle here really get mauled by them during the caterpillar phase, you would think they are killing the plant they are so full of holes and chewed up leaf, but they come back fine.
Eric

---------- Post added 03-22-18 at 10:13 AM ----------

That's a waterproof makeup ad shot right there! Awesome exposure and model.
Eric

[dick897]

K1 and D fa 15-30mm, light trail
(flickr explored)




K1 and sigma 105mm macro, small icicles