Macro Photo's

Close up of a cactus.

[close up cactus picture]

I've been thinking a lot recently about what's required to improve my photography.
In particular about the basic compositional elements that help make up a great photo, and where my photos fall short.
While doing this and searching through my ever growing stack of not-yet-reviewed shots I came across this.

It's a close up picture of the centre top of one of my cacti. Its a great example of pattern used in photography.
Something thats usually one of my weak points. So I was more than happy to edit it up when I had time.
The depth of field in this shot is awesome too. Especially considering I shot the cactus at f/10.
Its caused by there being a noticeably dip in the centre of the cactus's top, and steep sides falling away very quickly around the outside.
Cactus photograph taken with my Nikon D300 SRL of course :-)

Glen news: I'm starting to feel a lot better, so hopefully updates will get back their there usual regularity soon.

Photograph Information
Image Description:	Cactus close up of its top. Auckland, New Zealand.
Camera Make:	Nikon Corporation.	Camera Model:	Nikon D300 Digital SLR (DSLR).	Date:	5th April 2008.
Focal Length:	120mm.	35mm Equiv Focal Length:	180mm.	Aperture:	f/10.
White Balance:	Auto.	Flash Used:	No.	Exposure Time:	1/25th of a second.
Light Source:	N/A.	Metering Mode:	Center Weight.	Exposure Mode:	Manual.
Software:	Converted from RAW using Nikon ViewNX. Post editing with The Gimp.
Accessories Utilised:	Nikon MB-D10 battery grip. Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion battery pack. Nikon lens hood, Scandisk Extream IV CompactFlash.
Photographer Comments:	None.		Lens Used:	Nikkor 18-200mm VR DX lens.
Model Credit:	N/A.	Photograph Copyright: ©	Glen Webber 2008. All rights reserved.

Cya all,
G/

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Mantis, mantis, macro mantis.

[mantis photograph]

So I spent some of my weekend shooting Macro with my Nikon D300 SLR.
I spent a bit of time trying out Macro filters, but found them more awkward to use, than they were worth.
Especially in low light situations.

The photo for today is a cool little macro mantis picture taken using my 18-200 VR Nikkor. (Sans use of macro filters.)
I must admit I'm tempted to consider a dedicated macro with VR, but they're not cheap.... We'll see.

Until tomorrow all,
CYa's.
G/