“Pink Gerbera”
“Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – we haven’t time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”
― Georgia O’Keeffe
Today is a dull, grey day here. One of those days where it can’t figure out whether to rain or snow. So, what better way to brighten it up than with a flower.
I spent a bit of time in the studio yesterday, pulling apart a fresh bouquet and photographing the individual blossoms. The marvel of modern times is that fresh summer blooms are readily available year round.
With this bloom, I found myself really enjoying the pale yellow halo at the base of the petals and the way it glowed with its own light. I played with various exposure settings and finally settled on the one that showed off that effect, without softening the details too much.
I’m still getting used to using my extender tubes, as I don’t have a good macro lens in my bag yet, but that is on the horizon.
Nikon D800
Nikor 24-70mm f/3.5-4.6 @ @ 35 mm (with 20mm extension tube)
2.0 sec, f/25.0, ISO 100
Hi Resolution image on 500px
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Ed Lehming Photography 
Lovely shot. I did a post on extenders a way back, you lose some light. Nikon’s latest 105macro is not great it focuses too fast, go back to the “D” version it’s wonderful. Anything shorter than 100 gets you a little too close to your subject. Good luck.
Thanks Victor, I borrowed a Nikor AFS Micro 60mm f/2.8 back in the fall and it was wonderful to work with, despite not have the VR, since I was using a tripod. However, I’m leaning toward the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Vibration Reduction. Higher price point, but I feel I may like the VR doing hand-held nature shots.
vibration reduction does not work at close distance. The limiter in the new 105 limits you to infinity and down rather than the reverse closest to medium distance. Because of its fast focus you need a tripod. Vibration reduction does not work on tripods. If you want hand held try the older Nikon model or the Sigma 105.
Thanks for the advise Victor, I’ll look into those options. I tend to focus manually on macro using Live View.