Leaf Thread

[Geoff Chandler]

Geoff-
I wish I had a garden...
I like the very last photo, the one that's a bit darker.
Gardens do need maintaining - which is hard when you both work and have children...
Did you notice the Coleus's in the foreground - all different shades as well.
Thanks for the opinion on the red leaf shot - I couldn't decide and I expect
different screens will display it a bit differently:)

[eaglssong]

I believe this is Spanish Moss. The old oak trees here are draped with it and it makes them look very interesting. I know it's not a leaf, but it is tree related. Besides, there are leaves in the background ;)

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1176/3933780/8140435/116955993.jpg

[eaglssong]

These are called Elephant Ears, and with good reason. The building on the side is the house, and I left it in to give some perspective to the size of these monster leaves. :eek:

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1176/3933780/8140435/117033740.jpg

Sorry it's not as sharp as it should be. I was busy trying to get the camera shy dog to come back into this yard where he belongs. He's scared to death of cameras and the minute he spotted me with mine, he went under the fence, so this was sort of a grab shot.

[Geoff Chandler]

Anne - I liked the moss - that was a bit different...

i just took a few of our Purple Smoke tree again - it's been changing colous a bit.
But - as usual - I am undecided so I am posting some flash and some not flash
for comments and comparison
First, this one is non flash - basically a resize on both of these next 2
A-200, 13th sec F4.5, ISO 100 -0.3ev, 194mm equiv

[Geoff Chandler]

This one is with the flash
160th sec flash, F5.6, ISO 100, -0.3ev, 164mm equiv
I didn't really want to change too much ands also these are basically just
a resize for comparison reasons.

[Geoff Chandler]

Another shot - this area is less changed and still fairly purple
A-200, 125th sec flash, f 4.5, ISO 100 -0.3 ev,119mm equiv

[Geoff Chandler]

Final shot for now - showing a range of colours
ever so slight tweak in curves - just a touch of reduction in the shadow
A-200, 10th sec (no flash), f3.5, ISO 50 64mm equiv
Liked this one - felt it was worth the tiny tweak

[eaglssong]

Geoff,

They're all so pretty. I can't make up my mind whether I prefer with or without flash either. Without sort of brings out the mood that winter is almost upon us, but the colors with are really nice.

Hey, I'm a pisces. Never ask us to make a decision. LOL

[Wombat]

Something for this special for today with a few leaves and shadows as well. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[val123]

Geoff - Love the shots of the Smoke tree, I like what you have done with the flash shots. The colours and detail show up really well.

Wombat - Great pumpkin shot.

Tonight I thought I would give you something a little different from me two variations of the same picture...... the first is straight out the camera ......

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/42433337-L.jpg

The second .....the same shot but heavily manipulated in PSP.....what do you think, not my usual sort of thing, but it was fun having a go......

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/42433343-L.jpg

[Alnath]

here are a couple now the leaves are turning here

[Alnath]

and the other one

[eaglssong]

Beautiful shots John,

Thank you. Those of us who now live where the foliage stays green all year really miss seeing that, and it's so nice that you all share yours with us.

[Geoff Chandler]

I'll second Anne - (exept I do get to see the colours) lovely to see these leaves - nice clear pics too.
Val123 - nice bit of PP work, keep the orig as well though...

[graphlin]

This is my first ever photo posted with any SLR, nevermind a DSLR so please be gentle :). Advice is always appreciated as I learn more about my Nikon D50.

Thanks in advance!

[Wombat]

This is my first ever photo posted with any SLR, nevermind a DSLR so please be gentle :). Advice is always appreciated as I learn more about my Nikon D50. Thanks in advance!

graphlin - thanks for posting your first photo on this thread. I really like the composition with the dark diagonal - also the leaf shapes and colours add a lot of interest. Thanks for sharing.

Here's my shot for today - some chard leaves. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Schubi]

resized to comply with the attachment size limit
(originally 2048 x 1536 pixels, 300 dpi)

what do you think?

[Schubi]

also resized and converted to 72 dpi in order to reduce file size

[Chilious]

Nice pictures everybody.
Here's mine for today.

[graphlin]

Another one from my limited supply. I wasn't happy with the preset white balance on the D50 for shade. It made the colours way too saturated and didn't capture the natural light under the canopy, so I took a preset WB by using the white sweatshirt my wife was wearing :p It worked pretty well.. what do you think?

[American Nomad]

There seems to be a theme growing here. Here is one I shot today.

[kewtpie]

an offering:

with my canon s410

[kewtpie]

and this one reminds me of someone lying on the ground....

[Erad]

here are some fall leaves.

[jeff31]

My first post in this thread. Hope you like it
http://sonyv3.free.fr/fl_051105_6.jpg

[bklassen]

Wow, this thread has really took off since I posted some "hurting" fall color pics (as coldrain would call them ;) ) on page 43... then again, I haven't checked this thread for a little while. Here are a few more pics from that same day from when I last posted my pics.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a400/bklassen/0e1c9ba5.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a400/bklassen/de80325d.jpg

(I REALLY need to start taking some more leaf pics with my new D50, now that it's finally here :D ...although I don't have a macro lens yet :( )

[jeff31]

http://sonyv3.free.fr/fl_061105_1.jpg

[Wombat]

Another great bunch of shots folks - thanks for sharing all your ideas and inspirations.

Welcome to Jeff - I have admired, as many others have, your shots on other threads and it a pleasure to have post some here. That spiders web is so beautifull.

Here is my shot for today - a fern shadow - Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[SilverTurtle]

Just one from me... some leaves that had fallen into a broken up sidewalk. I surprised myself with the capture of the light and shadows. :)

http://static.flickr.com/30/57260303_4b221e10ca.jpg

[val123]

Once again some really super shots everyone.

Jeff nice to see you in here, you have kicked off with some stunning shots, that spider web is amazing.

Here is my offering, purple smoke bush, (although not currently very purple).

Shot with the 20d with the sigma 70 - 300mm in macro mode, F5.6 1/250 ISO 400 at 300mm hand held.

Hope you like..........

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/43320872-L.jpg

[Erad]

this one was taken by my friends sony H1

[Chilious]

Here are a few pictures taken in this weekend at Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b250/Chilious/Ouachita%20National%20Forest/P1050317.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b250/Chilious/Ouachita%20National%20Forest/P1050341.jpg

If you want to see more pictures from this location, here's a link to my album.
http://chilious.multiply.com/photos/album/20 or
http://rsm.smugmug.com/gallery/951008
Comments and suggestions are always welcomed.

[Phill D]

Nice photos, that park looks to be a pretty special place to go at this time of the year. Did you have to take the shots from a boat or is there more dry land around the park than it looks?

[Chilious]

Nice photos, that park looks to be a pretty special place to go at this time of the year. Did you have to take the shots from a boat or is there more dry land around the park than it looks?

Hi Phill, and thanks. It is indeed a special place for this season. The colors are awesome.
It was mainly dry land. The water that you see in some pictures is only a lake (called Long Lake).

[coldrain]

More autumn colours, seen through a polarazing filter

[coldrain]

more pretty leafs... I do not know the name of the tree.

[coldrain]

Green can be an autumn colour too...

[Wombat]

Just to say thank you for all the wonderful autumn leaf shots - a real joy to look at.

Here's my contribution for today - leaves on the ground. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[JTL]

I never thought a "leaf thread" would work...but it does...:)

Autumn Leaves...in the style of Jeff31. A tribute to a true photo artist (only I added a thin border around the outside)...

http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/43871944-L.jpg

[eaglssong]

This was taken this morning in my brother's backyard in Southern California. It's been raining on and off all day.

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1176/3933780/8663002/118295183.jpg

[Geoff Chandler]

I never thought a "leaf thread" would work...but it does...:)

Autumn Leaves...in the style of Jeff31. A tribute to a true photo artist (only I added a thin border around the outside)...


Great work - just one thing - how do you get the drop shadow??

[Wombat]

Here is my contribution for today - "Leaf on leaf". Canon A80.

Thanks for the recent leaf shots and taking the time to share them with us.

regards
Wombat

[eaglssong]

Wombat,

That's a very pretty study in contrasts. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Wombat]

Wombat,

That's a very pretty study in contrasts. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Anne - Thanks for the kind comment - much appreciated.

regards
Wombat

[JTL]

Great work - just one thing - how do you get the drop shadow??I use the Drop Shadow tool in PSP X. I adjust the opacity, color, width and blur of the shadow till I get the look I want. But first, you have to use the "Picker" tool to pull in the right and bottom edges of the image to allow room for the shadow. After the shadow is applied, then it's a simple cut and paste as new layer on top of the "blurred" image...:)

[Geoff Chandler]

jtl - thanks - I reckon I don't have the software to do it
I use Serif Photo Plus V8 which is not unlike Paint Shop Pro
I will work at it anyway

edit -

I can do it!! - just knocked one up a an experiment - I am posting it in the flower thread -
I will work on it and ty to make someting a bit nicer next time

[Wombat]

Another autumn leaf - this time sitting on a park bench. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Geoff Chandler]

Another autumn leaf - this time sitting on a park bench. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat
Wombat - your leaf shots are looking superb!

[Wombat]

Wombat - your leaf shots are looking superb!

Thanks Geoff for the kind comment - as always much appreciated. I was rather pleased with the leaf on the bench shot - the light was very sympathetic.

regards
Wombat

[JTL]

Another autumn leaf - this time sitting on a park bench. Canon A80.

regards
WombatVery nice. Frame it and display it proudly...

[Wombat]

Very nice. Frame it and display it proudly...

And thanks to you JTL as well. It will be framed :)

regards
Wombat

[kewtpie]

Wombat-that leaf on park bench is great!

[Wombat]

Wombat-that leaf on park bench is great!

Kewtpie - Thanks for the kind comment - much appreciated. It appears the shot has appealed to several people which is very rewarding. Sometimes it is the simple shots that have most impact.

regards
Wombat

[Geoff Chandler]

My Sacred Bamboo has got some interesting new growth
developing on it...
A-200, 80th sec anti shake, F3.5, 154mm equiv,ISO 50

[Geoff Chandler]

There's also some red wispy growth at the top

[Geoff Chandler]

I experimented - first is using the macro on the A-200,
this was taken at 200 mm telemacro
the second is without macro but substituting the CL49-200
close up lens - taken at 92mm equiv
(This confirms to me that the close up lens is similar to macro,
but allows me macro effect throughout the zoom range).

[Geoff Chandler]

Finally - two more shots 200mm Telemacro & CL49-200 close up
first shot taken at f4.5 with flash
second with full flash at f11
depth of field is better at f11 - but I like the first one better.
(It was actually a couple from a series of experimental shots)
comments??

Geoff

[Geoff Chandler]

Just returned - so I decided to pop a leaf in from the Sacred bamboo...
these are always worth re-visiting as they seem to look different through
out the year - looking back over the last year and a half proves quite
interesting as this plant goes through all the changes.

Edit note - returned with updated version of the piccy - played in Serif with the border
Hope you like...Geoff

[kewtpie]

Geoff-

I really like the very first shot, then the close up (with out the flash) best.
Very nicely done!

[Geoff Chandler]

Took another look at our Autumn coloured vine today.
It was in the shade a bit - but I didn't want to use the flash.
A-200, 13th sec, f5.0, ISO 100, 36mm equiv,

[pestalnmore]

Hey Geoff, Do you ever take a bad shot? And by the way liked your self portrail .. How are you doing those frames? carla

[Geoff Chandler]

Hey Geoff, Do you ever take a bad shot? And by the way liked your self portrail .. How are you doing those frames? carla
Your being tooo kind - but thanks!!
Well took notes from Jeff 31 & jtl
Basically I use Serif Photo Plus - but Photo Shop or Paint shop Pro should
be similar.
Open the pic. Select all and copy. Paste as a new image (so you have 2 copies open) Next enlarge the copy - now if you enlarge it in proportion your border will not be in proportion - so untick the appropriate box.
To enlarge you need to decide how much by - and that's a personal choice.
For pics that are around 3000 pixal wide I enlarge both height and width
by about 300. That's my choice only, so for 2000 wide = 200 pixals.
Next I blur the new enlarged image, ho much?? Again personal choice.
Then you can lighten or darken. next minimumise and open the orig pic. Copy it again. Minimumise and open the blured copy and past as a new layer. Move the pic around until it is centred. Then, depending on your graphics program, you need to play with effects (before merging images) there should be a borders or effects in there somewhere - you will have to follow your nose and experiment as I have Serif and no ne else has claimed to have that here.
Don't forget to merge the images before saving. obviously you can do all the other usual things - curves, sharpening , anti noise etc.
Here's another - a leaf from the purple Smoke tree -
this time I did a darker backroud border...
Hope that helps a bit
Geoff

Edit: - Almost forgot!
A200, 50th sec, F3.2, ISO 100, 140mm equiv, CL49-200 close up lens, (not macro),
plus a bit extra up on the camera contrast for effect

[Wombat]

Geoff C - great shots of the sacred bamboo - it must have earned its money this year. I have really enjoyed seeing it in all its different stages of growth. Thanks for sharing.

For today here are "Lots of Leaves" Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Erad]

took these 2 while walking with my son at the park.

[Phill D]

Love the dandelion head shot, bet it got blown away after the photograph was taken!
What settings did you use & was it processed?

[Erad]

that danelion was taken at F/5.7 1/955 secs. ISO=100

[Erad]

here is another i took today.

[kewtpie]

Erad-
very nice, love the framing. What software do you use? Care to share your technique?

[Erad]

i use photoshop cs2, i dont really do much but sharpen the image a bit and add the cool effects like the inner and outer glow and drop shadow.

[SamPhilly]

Haven't been around for a bit.

http://www.the-shelleys.com/Red_Leaf2_size.jpg

[Geoff Chandler]

Haven't been around for a bit.

Sam - lovely brown red colour, nice detail - like it!
(It's at the bottom of the previous page folks!)

[snowrdr]

Here's one from yesterday at F5.0 and 1/250 sec :D

[val123]

some lovely shots everyone, Samphilly and snowrdr love those last two posts.

Its amazing how quickly the seasons are changing again..... only a few weeks ago there were berries everywhere now most of them have gone, mind you most of our local birds are looking pretty plump! Managed to find a few this morning hope you like........


http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/45103952-L.jpg

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/45103950-L.jpg

[Wombat]

Great shots folks - very thoughtful compositions and beautiful colours. Thanks for sharing.

Here is my shot for today, tree roots, Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[deadman]

Aah! Now I know where I should have posted my 'Was not sure where to put this' posts :)

[Jonathan]

Went shooting yesterday, and found this.

[eaglssong]

Found this one yesterday at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I love the contrast against the beautiful blue sky, and the only editing was a bit of cropping and resizing for the website.

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1176/3933780/8663002/119451423.jpg

[val123]

Nice shots everyone. Wombat love the tree roots...

Here is a shot of our sage bush with frosty leaves.........

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/45293555-L.jpg

[Wombat]

Nice shots everyone. Wombat love the tree roots...

Here is a shot of our sage bush with frosty leaves.........

Thanks Val for the kind comment - your frosty sage bush is a pretty hot shot ;-)

Thanks to everyone else for sharing such great shots.

For today here are some water plant leaves [don't know its name - Eric perhaps??] taken during the summer. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Kushnirenko]

Leaf & snow. Pic 1.

[Kushnirenko]

Leaf & snow. Pic 2.

[Kushnirenko]

Leaf & snow. Pic 3.

[cayugan]

I love this picture..
http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/mka22/Photos/flowers/slides/macros_001.jpg

http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/mka22/Photos/flowers/slides/macros_003.jpg

[zdzislaw]

hi
i am not talking to you...



you too good!
why not meeeee???



do enjoy your posts,
thanks for posting,
keep well
regards
zdzislaw

[Wombat]

Hi folks - thanks for all the wonderful autumn/fall into winter shots, including the rose leaves with snow.

I guess the leaf thread will become "dormant" for many of us as the winter takes hold. I have saved a some shots from the summer for posting through this bleak time. However, just for a change here is a prickly stem - no leaves, Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[snowrdr]

From my backyard with the circular polarizer... :D

[snowrdr]

One more from my backyard.

Please bring a rake, I will provide the beer... :D :D

[Princeli]

I took these this fall at Vassar College :o

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. 27, Nov, 2005
Pic 1.

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. 27, Nov, 2005
Pic 2. No resample. Croped only!

[Wombat]

Lovely shots folks - thanks for sharing with everyone.

Here are some beech leaves from the summer when it was warm ;-) Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[val123]

As usual beautiful shots everyone.........

Here is a couple of shots taken this evening as the sun went down.

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/46190508-L.jpg

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/46190496-L.jpg

[val123]

Received my new Sigma 50-500mm lens today.....hooray:)

unfortunitaly by the time I got home from work it was dark......boo:(

So had to play around with it indoors with flash........I think it did quite a good job with the Poinsettia......:) Hope you like.......

http://mansaards.smugmug.com/photos/46344086-L.jpg

[Phill D]

Sigma 50-500mm lens - wow Val that sounds expensive but for that as a first shot it was probably worth it. So you've now effectively got a dslr version of your little Cannon S2, looks like we can look forward to a real treat on the galleries in the future. Not a bad early Christmas present!

[Wombat]

Lovely shots Val - beautiful colours and a wonderful ethereal atmosphere.

Here are some poppy capsules, Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. 2, Dec, 2005

[Geoff Chandler]

~ Just back from a short break.
What's this then Kushnirenko? A new camera.??
I have noticed this camera but not read any reviews for it yet.
Do you like it? - It looks very interesting for a point and Shoot

[eaglssong]

Welcome back Geoff!! You've been missed!!

I myself will be M.I.A. for the next couple of weeks. I'm heading home tomorrow to survey the damages, and won't have internet access. I head up to NY on December 13th to stay with my family, and will see you all then.

[Geoff Chandler]

Anne - your up late!! I'm working nights, what's your excuse (if you need one!)
Well - I think I speak for all of us and wish you well. Let's hope you can get all sorted out - it must have been quite devistating - we'll be thinking and praying for you.
Look forward to hearing from you on or around the 13trh Dec then.
Take care
Geoff :)

[Kushnirenko]

The snow has dropped out. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. 3, Dec, 2005

[Geoff Chandler]

Val123 - lovely Autum colours ~ especially in the trees with
(I assume) the evening lighting.
Wombat - as ever - nice crisp photos.
Here's one from our recent short break in the South of Wales -
just some leaves I snapped...

[Phill D]

Very nicely presented Geoff. Nice & sharp with the frame making the picture really stand out.

[graphlin]

Not sure if this falls under landscapes, leaves or silhouettes so I put it here :)

http://i.pbase.com/v3/61/609861/1/51662744.MtNemo011.jpg

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Dec, 7, 2005. Pic.1

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Dec, 7, 2005. Pic.2

[Geoff Chandler]

Latest pics of the Sacred bamboo - a favourite leafing
plant of mine that is always looking different...

[Geoff Chandler]

Yes, that is vignetting oin the corners - I liked the effect so I used it !
But it is worth noting that this does happen with the close up adapter
CL49- 200 that I got for the A-200 when you use it at wide angle.

[Wombat]

Great shots folks - you still seem to be finding so much colour even at this time of year.

My shot for today was taken in the summer - some type of fluffy seed head. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Wombat]

Hi Folks

As it is far too cold and gloomy for me to enjoy taking photographs, I have been browsing my shots taken earlier in the year and found some leaf shots that I didn't post at the time. So for starters here are some "leaves in a row" - Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Photoflix]

Ok, hi everyone, this is my second post, i have a Sony DSC F505V, and i like taking macros. I am a complete noobie, but love photography! I think this is my best macro yet, had to share it, get some comments/criticism. Be honest! im not going to learn otherwise! Took this this morning under morning sun. Took a few pics from different angles, i think this is the best of the bunch.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/26/dsc02738aa7vw.jpg

I call it " Escape " Cant think of a better name!

Thanks in advance for any criticisms.

[Wombat]

Ok, hi everyone, this is my second post, i have a Sony DSC F505V, and i like taking macros. I am a complete noobie, but love photography! I think this is my best macro yet, had to share it, get some comments/criticism. Be honest! im not going to learn otherwise! Took this this morning under morning sun. Took a few pics from different angles, i think this is the best of the bunch.

I call it " Escape " Cant think of a better name!

Thanks in advance for any criticisms.

Hi Photofix

Lovely shot and thanks for sharing it with us. There is a lot I like about this shot - the title, the colours, the contrast of light and dark, the sharpness of focus of the subject and the wonderful difuse colours of the background.

If it was mine - and this is not a criticism - I would crop the shot a bit to lose some of the background and draw the eye to the escapee that is the sharpest focused area as well ;-) I have taken the liberty of messing about with your shot to show what I mean. It has lost a lot of quality in compression but you get the idea.

Over the last year with the help and encouragement of many people on this forum I have learnt so much about photography. One useful rule [although rules are there to be broken of course] is to fill the frame - it gives more impact to the subject by preventing the eye wandering around the background too much. Do keep posting.

regards
Wombat

[Photoflix]

Thanks for the comments wombat, and yes, the cropped version is more pleasing to the eyes i agree. I took a few other macros, but they seem too plain to me, my biggest problem is i work from home, so dont get a chance to go to new places and snap away. So i have to make do with my garden, and the odd weekend i drive around dublin looking for good macros. I think i need a better camera too, but cant afford one. Just wondering, what is the best cam for macros? Digital/DSLR i mean.

Cheers, i appriciate the comment.

[Wombat]

Thanks for the comments wombat, and yes, the cropped version is more pleasing to the eyes i agree. I took a few other macros, but they seem too plain to me, my biggest problem is i work from home, so dont get a chance to go to new places and snap away. So i have to make do with my garden, and the odd weekend i drive around dublin looking for good macros. I think i need a better camera too, but cant afford one. Just wondering, what is the best cam for macros? Digital/DSLR i mean.

Cheers, i appriciate the comment.

Hi Photoflix

Another thing I have discovered is that a top-notch camera doesn't guarantee top-notch shots. You will find quite a few discussions on this site regarding what makes a good photographer but for me the following is my rule of thumb. There are 3 important elements in a "good" shot:-

1 - the quality of the light and understanding how to adjust your camera/flash accordingly. Consider the problems of nightshots, dull days, bright summer sunshine, high contrast, vivid and saturated colours, etc.

2 - the quality of the grey stuff between the ears and this consists of an awful lot of learnt stuff i.e. it is not a natural gift. How do you compose your shots, how do you add contrast, drama, contemplation, peace, activity, movement, etc, etc, etc.

3 - the quality of the camera. A lot of the above are possible with cheaper cameras although of course a better camera and lens may help but not guarantee great results.

I use a Canon A80 and this is quite an old model now. It has taken quite a few kind words from this site to eventually convince me that it really is a great little camera. The rest is up to me to learn ;-) From the shot you posted I would be happy using this camera.

I note you mention "plain shots" as you are limited by your environment. I live in an inner city environment and find city parks a great place to practise macro shots. For me winter is not a time I enjoy photography mainly because it is just too cold.

Also try photography at home - pick an object like a bunch of grapes and try dozens of shots, changing the lighting, the composition, etc. For instance strong light from a desk lamp gives strong shadows and adds depth and drama - do you like the effect, if not what can you do to change it. In winter I buy a mixed bunch of flowers and practise different macro shots on these. Have a look at the "Things" thread - there are some super shots of very mundane objects.

Just to illustrate a few points here is a shot of a clematis seed-head.

I deliberately chose to fill the frame with the shot because I now know that this will make the viewer have not choice but to look at the subject = impact - as I leave them nowhere else to look.

I deliberately chose to compose the shots with the diagonal that runs top left corner to bottom right corner as I now know that diagonals in images add movement, instability and energy.

I chose to deliberately place the centre of the seed head about 1/3 down and 1/3 in from the left as I now know that this and the other 3 corresponding points are where the human eye will tend to fall. So placing something dead centre locks the eye on one place.

So not a brilliant shot and not a brilliant subject but a nicely exposed and focused balanced shot with movement, some subtle colours and a focal point and much better than it might have been a couple of years ago.

Hope the above helps a bit.

regards
Wombat

[Kushnirenko]

Leaf of an oak. Where? Have fallen down...
Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Dec, 14, 2005.

[SamPhilly]

Wombat, great explanation and nice shot.

[SamPhilly]

Not a leaf, but still would fit here I think....

http://the-shelleys.com/Pine_Cones_Size.jpg

[bklassen]

Saw MANY natural blueberries on a hike I went on back in September, and their leaves were just starting to turn color. Very beautiful I thought.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a400/bklassen/Leaves/tn_IMGP3783.jpg

[black_z]

From an ice storm that just hit.:mad:


http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/2463/leaf6um.jpg

[Kushnirenko]

Leaf of a nut. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Dec, 17, 2005

[Geoff Chandler]

Wombat - glad you are keeping things going with your
lovely sharp images here.
Kushnirenko - Hello my friend - sorry I haven't been around much
recently - keep those new camera pictures coming in.
Samphilly - superb cone picture
Bklassen - lovely colours in your recent picture
BlackZ - really like that icy leaf

Here's a sinle leaf from the back garden
A-200 just resized, and rotated.

[Geoff Chandler]

More back garden leaves.
We have his tree that suddenly sheds lots just when you think
it's forgoten to.
Again - A-200 resized
taken around 2.45 in dull lighting...
hey - there's one of my Purple smoke tree leaves in there!!
edit PS - if you hit last page -
I made a few comments on the previous page before posting this one.
Geoff

[Geoff Chandler]

A bush in our garden that has started to develop berries

[Geoff Chandler]

More of the same bush...

[Geoff Chandler]

More back garden leaves.
We have his tree that suddenly sheds lots just when you think
it's forgoten to.
Again - A-200 resized
taken around 2.45 in dull lighting...
hey - there's one of my Purple smoke tree leaves in there!!
edit PS - if you hit last page -
I made a few comments on the previous page before posting this one.
Geoff
Here it is (again) after some TLPP.......
Hope you like the treatment

[snowrdr]

Shot this in between showers... :D

[snowrdr]

Another view of the same subject... :D

[Esoterra]

Well, we don't have much in the way of foilage in the desert here, at least none that is dripping wet, so here is a picture of a weed. They are the Nevada state flower... or maybe its the tumble weed lol.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5687/weeds016dd.jpg

[groovehouse]

Feuille Sur Le Verre Cassé

http://static.flickr.com/36/78812312_547486ccdb_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/groovehouse/78812312/)

Leaf On Broken Glass

[Kushnirenko]

Sick tree. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Dec, 30, 2005

[PMR]

Say what you want...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y287/pmr/Canon098revised.jpg

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Jan, 2, 2006

[ElenaMDP]

Please have a look
http://www.1milliondollarphoto.com/pictures-photo-lessons/lesson18-sun2.jpg

[Geoff Chandler]

Just a couple of update shots of my Sacred Bamboo.....

[Geoff Chandler]

As you can see the berries have turned red

[Geoff Chandler]

Here's a more natural shot (no flash!)...
Hope you like.
I am fascinated by the way this plant changes in appearance
Geoff

[Geoff Chandler]

Bit quiet round here after Christmas!
Hope everyone had a great time
more soon
Geoff

[phatkid77]

our little indoor bamboo plant..

this pic i edited, then neat image, then resize, and then i ran thru neat image again?? for $hits and giggles.

[phatkid77]

i need to find something to do today!!

[Wombat]

Here's a more natural shot (no flash!)...
Hope you like.
I am fascinated by the way this plant changes in appearance
Geoff

Thanks for the update on this super plant - it certainly gives all year round value for money. I notice a brave single snowdrop with a bud on it so perhaps spring is not far away.

Here are a few autumn leaves from a few months back.

Thanks to everyone for braving the winter weather to find leaf shots - it is too cold for me.

regards
Wombat

[American Nomad]

Taken at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

[American Nomad]

Here is another.

[Spot focus]

Leafs after rain

[Kushnirenko]

Leaf of nut. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Jan, 09, 2006

[Geoff Chandler]

Spot Focus - I love the presentation and the sharpness of that latest offering - very good!
Kushnirenko ~ I am so glad you are continuing to post your shots here, keep it up!
American Nomad - I enjoy all your photos
Phatkid77 - UR quite new here - I have been enjoying all your photos.
Wombat - Lovely A-80 shot as ever.
This is for you - I tried to capture the Sacred Bamboo as it really looks when I walk through my garden (this is how it looks at the start of Jan 2006 anyway) No post processing , sharpening, fiddling except for size reduction to fit here.

[American Nomad]

Thanks again Geoff. I enjoy yours also. Your Sacred Bamboo looks like a plant that we had in our yard when I was a child. I believe mom called it a Nandina. I wonder if it is the same plant. Here is another from the Biltmore Estate.

[Wombat]

Wombat - Lovely A-80 shot as ever.
This is for you - I tried to capture the Sacred Bamboo as it really looks when I walk through my garden (this is how it looks at the start of Jan 2006 anyway) No post processing , sharpening, fiddling except for size reduction to fit here.

Geoff C - Thanks for the kind remarks and also for the extra shot of the sacred bamboo. I should think every photographer if not gardener should have one of these. I take it it's evergreen and frost hardy. What sort of size does it eventually reach and what made you choose one in the first place?

Here's is a rose-hip, Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Geoff Chandler]

Geoff C - Thanks for the kind remarks and also for the extra shot of the sacred bamboo. I should think every photographer if not gardener should have one of these. I take it it's evergreen and frost hardy. What sort of size does it eventually reach and what made you choose one in the first place?

Here's is a rose-hip, Canon A80.

regards
Wombat
I don't even remeber buying it particularly - we got it in 2004. I just started to notice it was interesting. I don't know how big it will end up - I will have to check the label if it's still there. It's about 3ft high now though. The new growth at the top looks quite different...

[Phill D]

Excellent shot wombat very sharp & crisp. You are really getting some very good results out of that A80.

[American Nomad]

Here is another.

[Wombat]

Excellent shot wombat very sharp & crisp. You are really getting some very good results out of that A80.

Phill D - Thanks for the kind remarks - it's a good little camera ;-)

Here are a few more leaves - a sort of "Hen and Chickens" plant. Canon A80.

regard
Wombat

[Spot focus]

Thanks Geoff shot at ISO 400 with 18-125 @1/125 f5.6 with fillin flash in jpg mode, untouched except for frame and resize

[American Nomad]

Another one from Biltmore. Please pay no attention to the shoe!

[Phill D]

Rainy sunday afternoon & pretty poor light so not the best time to capture this leaf shot but the water was occasionally dripping onto these rose leaves & splashing around so I thought I'd have a go. Shutter speed is a bit slow & I couldn't use the flash as I was shooting through an upstairs window that only opens a little, hence I cropped the white window frame from the side of the picture. All in all not good conditions but hey you've just got to try haven't you. This was the best I got.

[deadman]

-------------------------

[deadman]

------------------------

[deadman]

----------------------

[retro]

http://franserasmie.com/portfolio/6.leafs/1greenleaf.jpg

http://franserasmie.com/portfolio/6.leafs/3mosaic.jpg

[Wombat]

Hi All

Good so see that you are still finding great shots of leaves, etc. It is surprising to see just how much variety and diversity there is in this thread.

Here are a few wet Primula leaves. Canon A80.

Regards
Wombat

[Wombat]

Apples in the rain. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Wombat]

A seedpod - Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[glf_sproull]

Hello all!

Strolling through our woods (South Central Indiana) one day I stumbled upon this pretty neat setting. Hope you like it!

[Kushnirenko]

Hello all!

Strolling through our woods (South Central Indiana) one day I stumbled upon this pretty neat setting. Hope you like it!
If it is a photo, not a photoshopophoto - I take off a hat!
No comments!!!
Q - There are ugly girls?
A - Is not present! Simply her boyfriend is not able to use a photoshop!

[glf_sproull]

If it is a photo, not a photoshopophoto - I take off a hat!
No comments!!!


Honestly, Kushnirenko, I did nothing whatsoever (except resize 2592x1944 to 700x525) to this photo. Three days after purchasing this camera I went wandering through the woods at our house with a tripod. Here are the camera settings when this photo was taken. Thanks for the complement!

Camera Model Name Canon PowerShot S2 IS: Shooting Date/Time 10/24/2005 12:49:45 AM: Shooting Mode Auto: Photo Effect Off: Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/20: Av (Aperture Value) 3.5: Light Metering Evaluative: Exposure Compensation 0: ISO Speed Auto: Lens 6.0 - 72.0mm: Focal Length 66.1mm: Digital Zoom None: IS Mode On: Image Quality Fine: Flash Off: White Balance Auto: AF Mode Continuous AF: Color Space sRGB: File Size 1509KB: Drive Mode Single-frame shooting:

[Kushnirenko]

Fern under a snow. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Feb, 05, 2006

[Wombat]

Lots of Leaves - perhaps an ornamental artichoke. Canon A80.

regards
Wombat

[Esoterra]

Hello all!

Strolling through our woods (South Central Indiana) one day I stumbled upon this pretty neat setting. Hope you like it!


Kushnirenko here is the exported exif data from glfsproull's great picture- to prove that it's not photoshopped- i

[Image]
Make = Canon
Model = Canon PowerShot S2 IS
Orientation = top/left
Resolution Unit = inch
Date Time = 2005-10-24 00:49:45
YCbCr Positioning = centered
1001 = 2592
1002 = 1944
4746 = 0
5012 = 1
Exif IFD Pointer = Offset: 262
A401 = 0
A402 = 0
A403 = 0
A404 = 2592/2592
A406 = 0

[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/20"
F Number = F3.5
Exif Version = Version 2.2
Date Time Original = 2005-10-24 00:49:45
Date Time Digitized = 2005-10-24 00:49:45
Components Configuration = YCbcr
Compressed Bits Per Pixel = 3
Shutter Speed Value = 4.31 TV
Aperture Value = 3.63 AV
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F3.51
Metering Mode = Pattern
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 66.1mm
Maker Note = 1208 Byte
User Comment =
Flashpix Version = Version 1.0
Color Space = sRGB
Exif Image Width = 2592
Exif Image Height = 1944
Focal Plane X Resolution = 11520
Focal Plane Y Resolution = 11571.429
Focal Plane Resolution Unit = inch
Sensing Method = One-chip color area sensor
File Source = DSC

[GPS]

[Interoperability]

[Thumbnail Info]
Resolution Unit = inch
JPEG Interchange Format = Offset: 2202
JPEG Interchange Format Length = Length: 2703

[Thumbnail]

[MakerNote (Canon)]
0000 = 0, 0, 0, 18, 0, 0
0000 = 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 2592
Camera Settings 1 = 3, 0, 0, 0, 4, 65535, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 15, 3, 1, 8197, 0, 32767, 65535, 7200, 600, 100, 116, 192, 65535, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 2592, 2592, 0, 0, 0, 0, 32767, 32767, 0, 0, 2, 6610, 230
0002 = 172, 0, 0, 0
0003 = 0, 68, 32, 128
Camera Settings 2 = 103, 116, 138, 0, 0, 0, 0, 111, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 120, 0, 117, 139, 0, 0, 0, 250, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0
Image Type = werShot S2 IS JPEG
Firmware Version = re Version 1.00
Image Number = 1030370
Owner Name =
000D = 0, 20381696, 0, 0, 4294770688, 65535, 0, 0, 655360, 655360, 20840448, 20840448, 23068672, 458752, 458752, 20381696, 30146560, 2752512, 7602176, 14745600, 12320768, 0, 12320768, 8650752, 4285530112, 65535, 11927552, 19333120, 11993088, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 12451840, 0, 18612224, 11993088, 0, 0, 69861376, 87293952, 18415616, 12058624, 1114112, 61079552, 98435072, 128450560, 61079552, 65536, 37748736, 23068672, 20381696, 36438016, 3997696, 4294705152, 65535, 65536, 0, 0, 0, 0, 429129728, 65536, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 240386048, 296222720, 369885184, 421265408, 526385152, 0, 65536, 0, 65536, 429391872, 1245184, 327680, 0, 0
0010 = 23330816
0012 = 1944, 1296, 242, 233, 44, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0
0013 = 0, 19785, 14919, 28496
0018 = 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 32, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0
0019 = 1
001A = 0
001C = 0
001D = 2, 2, 2, 2, 65535, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 18761, 42, 678
001E = 16778752

[Geoff Chandler]

Not exactly a leaf, a bud really

[sbnr]

CANON A95

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/snbr21/Riva.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/snbr21/LeaVs.jpg

[jeff31]

http://jeffdigit.free.fr/macro_250206_1.jpg

http://jeffdigit.free.fr/macro_250206_2.jpg

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Mach, 01, 2006

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Mach, 04, 2006

[P_Schneider]

I haven't posted any pics for a while so here is a winter and a spring pic.

Last years reeds
http://www.grandmaschneiders.com/public_misc/pics/snowy1.jpg

Spring Peppers
http://www.grandmaschneiders.com/public_misc/pics/spring%20peppers.jpg

Enjoy!

[ALKUWAIT]

My Photo

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Mach, 03, 2006

[mumbles420]

Wow, excellent photos from everybody. I haven't really thought much about taking pictures of leafs. This all i have for now. I'll try to get get some shots after it stops raining.

[P_Schneider]

Another shot of my pepper seedlings

[American Nomad]

I found this on a hike in Virginia. I don't know what it is but the tree was covered with these.

[toriaj]

Dew this morning

[Kushnirenko]

Spring has come! Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Apr, 09, 2006

[Bill Markwick]

"Where's the leaf?" to paraphrase the old commercial. Soon, soon. These are leaves in the making. If I can remember, I'll reshoot this in May when the buds have opened.

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20

[Prospero]

"Where's the leaf?" to paraphrase the old commercial. Soon, soon. These are leaves in the making. If I can remember, I'll reshoot this in May when the buds have opened.


I'm looking forward to see the result. Hopefully the moon will be on the same place again ;).

[mumbles420]

A plant inside my house.

[Prospero]

Here's a shot of some very small leaves I shot with the Sigma 17-70. The leaves were almost touching the front of the lens.

[Kushnirenko]

Kremenchuk, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Apr, 16, 2006

[Kushnirenko]

Kremenchuk, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Apr, 16, 2006

[Prospero]

Some new leaves on a tree near my hometown.

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. Apr, 20, 2006

[Prospero]

Here's another one I shot today in the garden. It is the ending of the branch of a small pine tree (if that is the correct name of that tree):

[toriaj]

Prospero! That is a BEAUTIFUL picture. If I took it, I would frame it on the wall. It inspired me to go right outside and try to take similar pics. But I just have the kit lens so I couldn't get close enough. Did you take it with the 70 - 300? I'm thinking that may be my next lens.

[Prospero]

Thanks a lot for your compliment, Toriaj. I took this picture with the Sigma 17-70 Macro. However, I think you can also take it with the Sigma 70-300, as this one also has a macro mode with a magnification that goes to 1:2, even further than with the 17-70 (that one goes to 1:2,3). This means that you can take a picture where 2 cm of the subject will become 1 cm on the sensor. This is no true macro, however, which is 1:1.

[toriaj]

Thanks for the info. What you said about lenses helped :) I've gotta let my credit card cool down a little though :rolleyes:

[Shosta]

Near home.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c295/jmgaguilera/plantas/IMG_3635.jpg

Cheers
José Miguel

[Prospero]

Here are three pictures of leaves I took today:

http://prospero.cabspace.com/pictures/leaf1.jpg

http://prospero.cabspace.com/pictures/leaf2.jpg

http://prospero.cabspace.com/pictures/leaf3.jpg

[Bill Markwick]

It was a really gloomy overcast day when I photographed these leaf buds, so I turned on the fill flash at about -1 EV. I was surprised at the result. It seems to have a sort of Oriental character to it, like a calendar background or a silk painting.

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20

[Bill Markwick]

Yet more buds. I don't know what make the tree is, but it was certainly spectacular in its spring finery.

Regards,
Bill
Panasinic - hey, a typo. If someone doesn't like Panasonic, would they be Panacynics? :p
Panasonic FZ20

[Troyus]

Great pics everyone, keep them coming :).

Here's a few of my favourite leaf pics I've taken with my Fuji A310 over the past few years. They were all taken at my house.

This one's my favourite:
http://marcustroiano.com/pixelpost/images/20050506002650_2004_07072day0002%20(medium).jpg

http://marcustroiano.com/pixelpost/images/20051016001209_2004_07072day0005.jpg

http://marcustroiano.com/pixelpost/images/20051016000832_2004_07072day0004.jpg

Enjoy! I'll try and add more recent ones soon!

[Kushnirenko]

The pear is blossom out. Pic. 1/2. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. May, 02, 2006

[Kushnirenko]

The pear is blossom out. Pic. 2/2. Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. May, 02, 2006

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. May, 05, 2006

[sparky]

Japenese maple in the front yard.

[Bill Markwick]

From an early morning walk. The composition is by Ma Nature (she's very good at these things :p ).

The low morning light is from the left, and I've added a little fill flash from a handheld to the left and above to soften the shadows.

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20 Vivitar 285HV

[GaryS]

Late evening shot of a Japanese Maple...

http://static.flickr.com/23/142898309_d89b28b07b_o.jpg

[GaryS]

Early morning...

http://static.flickr.com/47/144832541_8ab28a296b_o.jpg

[Bill Markwick]

Last month I posted a picture of a tree's bare twigs and said I'd see if I could get the same shot in May when the buds opened. The moon also appeared in the shot, and I was asked to see if I could get it into the second pic.

Turns out that the tree's leaves grew in leaps and bounds. If I waited for the full lunar cycle, I'd never find the branch in a mass of green. So here's the same branch, taken early in May.

And to avoid severe disappointment among viewers, I've added a moon.

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20

[Bill Markwick]

This was a tree branch at night with the flash turned way down. I did some burning to block the branch and added Sepia Toning from PS7's Image Effects set.

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20

[wutske]

That a nice picture Bill, same for almost every picture over here ;) .
Maybe try adding a bit gaussian blur to the brach, because it has some noise in it ;)

[wall]

Leaves at sunset

[-m i n g]

Here's a random pic of a leaf.. not too focussed...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c160/darrenleejw91/-%20m%20i%20n%20g/DSC_3992.jpg

[Glenn Kennedy]

Leaf or tree or flower or what??

Leaf.

[toriaj]

Beautiful day yesterday.

[Wombat]

Hi Folks

Just looking in - not much time to spare at the moment. You all have posted some really imaginative and colourful shots. I really like the thoughtful compositions and also the occasional minimalism.

Here are a few more leaves - Hostas this time. These were taken with my new camera, a Canon S2 IS. My initial observation is that it is certainly harder, but not impossible, to get equivalent shots to those of the A80.

regards
Wombat

[downtown]

my first macro shot with an 18-200 sigma
any thoughts.. please be honest.

[Esoterra]

my first macro shot with an 18-200 sigma
any thoughts.. please be honest.

very nice shot! tell me, how close was your lens to the grass? And were you zoomed into 200mm ??

[Phill D]

Wombat you used to get some amaizing shots with your A80, what makes you say it is harder to get equivalent shots with your new S2IS?

[Kushnirenko]

Kharkiv, Ukraine. Fuji FinePix S9500. May, 09, 2006

[Glenn Kennedy]

Kushnirenko - nice composition in that shot. Nice to see the end of the Ukrainian winter, too !!

[gstafleu]

On a rainy day in the Netherlands we toured over the dike separating one of the large polders (Zuid Flevoland) from the now-inland sea. Thinking of the Leaf Thread, I remembered how drop-shots are often among the best leaf pictures, so I saw an opportunity.

To set the scene, this is what the weather was like (that heavy-duty vignetting is my hand shielding the lens from the rain :)):
http://static.flickr.com/36/163903376_863771b51e_o.jpg
This is the dike, and behind the dike is the polder. Parts of the polder have been kept as nature areas. Soggy nature areas:
http://static.flickr.com/50/163905935_8b94e05086_o.jpg
You will notice that this boardwalk leads to a lot of leaves! Notice the elongated leaves at the sides of the board walk? They make very good drop targets:
http://static.flickr.com/70/163905401_29a7eb7cae_o.jpg
When it is wet leaves look extra good, even if they aren't drop-covered:
http://static.flickr.com/46/163903396_4fdc4dd927_o.jpg

There was also a tree with flower remnants, all dropped under:
http://static.flickr.com/60/163903415_6b91548e2b_o.jpg

My last offering in this polder-drops series is this very droppy grass:
http://static.flickr.com/76/163903442_73e0c27b33_o.jpg

[gstafleu]

A couple of leaves I just shot with my trusty old Canon A75.
http://static.flickr.com/76/169705984_8761f3bd58_o.jpg
And another of a similar plant:
http://static.flickr.com/77/169706044_c32d6baca9_o.jpg
AS you can see these compact cameras have a rather large DOF. Well, at least you don't have to worry about bokeh :).

[TxFlyBum]

Canon EOS 20D Focal length: 200.0mm (1/5 sec) f/29.0 ISO 100 Exposure bias: -0.33 Tripod

Lambs Ear early in the morning.


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c16/TxFlyBum/5c711adf.jpg

[P_Schneider]

Here is a shot right after watering.

[Phill D]

I think this is some sort of pitcher plant that catches insects.

[Prospero]

The main subject of the picture is not really a leaf, but there are some leaves in this picture and I didn't know where else to post it. Picture taken in the wetlands near my hometown with the Sigma 70-300.

http://prospero.cabspace.com/pictures/leaf4.jpg

[peca]

Some leaf pictures I took yesterday.

http://static.flickr.com/68/179980341_152d2442de.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/63/179980461_4a93618dd6.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/52/179980533_ee85ec8089.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/71/179980686_1082ea7189.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/51/179980719_8c73694d28.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/66/179980757_a83e3cb782.jpg

[wutske]

wow, those are some realy nice pictures peca. I like the way you play with the sun to get some nice effects ;)

[peca]

Thanks.

Misschien ga ik er vandaag nog wat maken als het niet te heet gaat worden. :)

[Bill Markwick]

This was shot with low, very bright early morning sun, and at first I thought it was a goner because the shadows were completely blocked. Then I decided I liked it as it was. The only adjustment was to move the white balance a little into the blue to compensate for the yellowness of the light.

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20

[gstafleu]

It's been a while since I did some leaves, so here is a couple.

First some back-lit leaves:
http://static.flickr.com/66/199178657_a87e5055e9_o.jpg

And then the ever popular leaves-with-berries:
http://static.flickr.com/58/199178611_b18cf5e1a0_o.jpg

[gstafleu]

Some more "leaves":
http://static.flickr.com/78/199890141_15ff17e3d3_o.jpg

[Erad]

took this the other day, thought it looked pretty cool.

[Bill Markwick]

One day while crawling through the underbrush escaping from the revenuers...

Regards,
Bill :p
Panasonic FZ20

[gstafleu]

A key in a Cypress:
http://static.flickr.com/59/201223612_233c2451d0.jpg

And some more berries:
http://static.flickr.com/65/201223578_0bc466f9d6_o.jpg

[Bill Markwick]

A key in a Cypress:

Wow, all your photos are just beautiful. Can we have some technical details (camera, lens/closeup lens, etc)?

Regards,
Bill

[gstafleu]

Thanks Bill. The camera is a Pentax *istDS. The lens is a Sigma 18-125 mm, usually at 125mm and wide open (F5.6). If I may pontificate (and I apologize if I'm teaching anyone how to suck eggs here :)) a little, this camera is a DSLR. The advantage a DSLR as over a normal "digicam" is its ability to have a small Depth Of Field (DOF). P&S camera's have, because of their small sensor size, an effective DOF that is often close to infinity. That's great for landscape photography, not so great for close-ups of flowers and leaves. I'm mentioning this just in case anyone is considering if moving from a P&S to a DSLR would be a good idea. Not that you can't get exellent results with a non-DSLR, mind you, lots of examples in this and the flowers thread show you most certainly can.

But enough soap-boxing already, here are some more leaves. First a fern against a backdrop of duck-weed, shot in the Netherlands:
http://static.flickr.com/61/212821755_9e94f6bb58_o.jpg
It was a cloudy day in the middle of a forest, hence the even lighting. Because of the low light level I put the camera to ISO 800. With a DSLR (most of them anyway) you can do that without introducing much noise.

Next some "prickly balls" from Canada:
http://static.flickr.com/76/213327398_8677b8a90c_o.jpg

And some more of those:
http://static.flickr.com/97/213327479_bf6dfb3f13_o.jpg
In this case I should have closed the lens more, then the front and hind balls would have been sharper. There is no distracting background that would have come into focus either. Oh well :).

[Bill Markwick]

Thanks for the information on your camera, Gerard. I think I see a DSLR in my future. :)

Regards,
Bill

[Bill Markwick]

A single leaf in very low morning light:

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4765/leaf49sr3.jpg

Some grass stalks in the late evening:

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7233/stalks18mk2.jpg

Another stalk, but in morning light:

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3977/stalks38wu4.jpg

Regards,
Bill
Panasonic FZ20

[Kushnirenko]

My answer:

[Bill Markwick]

My answer:


Oh, yeah?

Well, how about this?

Bill :p

[gstafleu]

Bill, that backlit leaf, the original that is, is great. The "improvements" are, well, interesting:). Attack of the man-eating radio active mutant ninja leaves?

I have some glowing leaves as well:
http://static.flickr.com/91/218024560_8fcf0b11b0_o.jpg

[Phill D]

Love the glowing leaves theme guys great fun. Haven't anything quite on the same theme myself but here's a poppy leaf I caught a while ago after a shower.

[Phill D]

And here's the poppy seed head that went with it.

[Phill D]

Bill
I just noticed you took that leaf shot at iso 200. Even more impressive with the FZ20, I rarely venture off 80 to anything higher just to keep the noise down but if you can still get shots like that at 200 then it looks like I'll be experimenting a bit more in the future. Did you use any noise reduction on the image?

[Bill Markwick]

Bill, that backlit leaf, the original that is, is great.

Thanks! What you didn't get to see are the 15 turkeys from that shoot that I deleted. :p

Just can't get over the sharpness of your images - they'd make a great ad for the Pentax and the 4/3 system.

Regards,
Bill

[Bill Markwick]

Bill
I just noticed you took that leaf shot at iso 200. Even more impressive with the FZ20, I rarely venture off 80 to anything higher just to keep the noise down but if you can still get shots like that at 200 then it looks like I'll be experimenting a bit more in the future. Did you use any noise reduction on the image?

Hi, Phill! No, I didn't use any noise reduction. My goodness, are you sure your camera is okay? I almost always use 200 or 400 unless the exposure range gets out of hand. I never get noise except in low light conditions, and that would be *very* low light, such as shots of the moon when there's still a bit of light in the sky.

Check the image of the grass stalks against the evening sky. That was 400 and 8:37PM, dark enough that noise should be visible, and there isn't any.

On the other hand, maybe I got the only FZ20 that works right. Nyahh, nyahh. Anybody want to trade even for a full-frame Canon DSLR? :p

Regards,
Bill

[gstafleu]

Just can't get over the sharpness of your images - they'd make a great ad for the Pentax and the 4/3 system.
Well, yes, except that Pentax is 2/3 :). I think 4/3 is Olympus.

[Phill D]

Hmm Bill from all the noise complaints around for the Pano cameras you just might have got the only one that works :p
Well I hope not, but I will be doing a few experiments to check non the less.

[Bill Markwick]

Well, yes, except that Pentax is 2/3 :). I think 4/3 is Olympus.

Oops. I somehow got the idea that the *ist series was 4/3 and the new K100s were 2/3. "I have not brought my specs with me." :p

Regards,
Bill

[gstafleu]

This could go to reflections as well, but there are probably more leaves than reflections:
http://static.flickr.com/42/221468531_eb27ca4a3d_o.jpg

[gstafleu]

A yellow fern leaf:
http://static.flickr.com/62/223332461_fa9ecbe31f_o.jpg

[Adiseshanaik]

From 350D

http://static.flickr.com/94/218111453_b9031a2bcd_o.jpg

[gstafleu]

Nice sharp shot Adiseshanaik. And the background color works well.