Fire Flower

MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
edited May 31, 2007 in Wildlife
I went out in the backyard to take pics of birds but they were not cooperating so I turned my long lens on the flowers and got this. It is actually a type of sunflower.

fire_flower.jpg

Using a more appropriate lens I took a picture of a cone flower just before it opened.

Bud2.jpg

Of course there was this Eastern Kingbird wondering what the heck I was doing.

black_capped4a.jpg

Comments

  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    I like that first one! thumb.gif

    Maybe there is a lesson here.....shoot flowers to trick the birds into posing......rolleyes1.gif
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    That first shot really pops out at the viewer. Outstanding clap.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    Harryb wrote:
    That first shot really pops out at the viewer. Outstanding clap.gif

    15524779-Ti.gif
  • RogersDARogersDA Registered Users Posts: 3,502 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    Nices captures. I like the first one - almost looks painted. The second one is quite nice, too, but I think a bit more blur on the background would help the bud stand out more (IMO).
    The Kingbird shot is awesome. Love the foreground/background contrast.
  • Albert DicksonAlbert Dickson Registered Users Posts: 520 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    The Sun Flower is Soupa Doupa Neato.
    I love the soft colors and narrow DOF. Realy nice!thumb.gifthumb.gif
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    Harryb wrote:
    That first shot really pops out at the viewer. Outstanding clap.gif

    You know what is so funny? That was shot from quite a distance with my new 500mm. There is no PS done to that pic except for a tad bit of USM. I did no leveling, no curves, no saturation, zip, nada. I thought the colors really popped too. I was just lucky I guess.
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    RogersDA wrote:
    Nices captures. I like the first one - almost looks painted. The second one is quite nice, too, but I think a bit more blur on the background would help the bud stand out more (IMO).
    The Kingbird shot is awesome. Love the foreground/background contrast.

    You are correct about the second one, but if I remember I was using the good ole kit lens. If I had been using my macro lens, I bet I could have achieved better bokeh. Thanks in regards to the kind words about the Kingbird. I shot it out my truck window with my new 500mm. SAAAAWWWWEEEEETTTTT!thumb.gif I am still getting used to it.
  • dallasdallas Registered Users Posts: 1,638 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    Number one is outstanding. thumb.gifthumb.gifthumb.gif
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    dallas wrote:
    Number one is outstanding. thumb.gifthumb.gifthumb.gif

    Thanks Dallas..........
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    Very nice Stephen! thumb.gif
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited May 29, 2007
    #1 is fantastic!!
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • BrowndogBrowndog Registered Users Posts: 134 Major grins
    edited May 30, 2007
    Wow
    I gotta go with the majority #1 really pops but they are all outstanding clap.gif
    Mike W....
  • BigAlBigAl Registered Users Posts: 2,294 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    Maestro wrote:
    You know what is so funny? That was shot from quite a distance with my new 500mm. There is no PS done to that pic except for a tad bit of USM. I did no leveling, no curves, no saturation, zip, nada. I thought the colors really popped too. I was just lucky I guess.
    Aha, I was wondering when I'd see pics with the new lens! Love the first pic! What kind of support were you using?
  • SeefutlungSeefutlung Registered Users Posts: 2,781 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    The first is very nice Maestro ... reminds me some other flower snaps taken with a long lens (lol) ... Good job!!

    Gary
    My snaps can be found here:
    Unsharp at any Speed
  • jeff lapointjeff lapoint Registered Users Posts: 1,228 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    They're all very nice, but that first one is amazing!clap.gif
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    BigAl wrote:
    Aha, I was wondering when I'd see pics with the new lens! Love the first pic! What kind of support were you using?

    I did that one hand-held but my new tripod and Wimberely Head II just arrived today. thumb.gif The tripod is this one. I am heading down to probably the best place to take bird photographs in Texas in two weeks. Here is simpy known as The Valley. You can read about here. I plan to use my new lens and support quite a bit down there.
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    They're all very nice, but that first one is amazing!clap.gif
    Thanks Jeff.
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    Thanks also for the nice comments Dave, Browndog and Gary.
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 31, 2007
    Very nice Stephen! thumb.gif

    Thanks Glenn. Everytime I see your avatar, it reminds that I really want to get a pic of a kite. I might be able to soon when I head down to south Texas.
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