I didn’t have a macro lens with me when I came upon this spider exploring the top of a large leaf after a recent rain shower so I made do with the lens I had on the camera, Nikon 28-300mm zoom, at 300mm. It’s been a while since I explored the macro world and this image made me interested in doing so again…I’ll need to pick a interesting subject matter. I’ve noticed I tend to photograph in series of similar themed, styled, loosely related images before moving on to the next themed series. That may relate to my years of I.T. background where things to do always included having and completing projects.
Thinking about my photos, I’ve noticed I don’t shoot many wide angle landscapes photos but that’s at least partially to do with my day-to-day environment. My home area is in the central piedmont of North Carolina consisting of gentle rolling hills, lots of trees and small fields. There not a lot of opportunity for wide open vistas without traveling a couple of hours to the mountains. So photographers are at least in part a product of their environments. :-)
The first half of 2011 is history and we begin the second half today. As photographers how do you feel about the first half of this year and do you have any changes planned for the second half?
Have a good Friday and a great weekend.
To start with, I really like this image and its feel. Secondly, I like the question you asked. I have been pleased with the first half, in my personal life, my work and my photography. It’s nice to be back near my family and friends and to work out of Denver International Airport again. Just yesterday I was looking through some of the images from this year and have been pleased with what I’ve seen. I’ve enjoyed having the G12 to play with.
And, I too love the macro world, a world many never see except in photographs. There is so much at our feet we seldom see or even know about. Hope you and Bonnie have a super weekend.
Monte, thanks. Over longer periods of time I think we can see changes or trends in ourselves and our photographic work. While I don’t think too much should be made of it I think it’s positive to reflect upon our course and progress at regular intervals.
I’m happy that first half, 2011, has been positive for you. IMO some of that energy has been evident in your photos.
Wonderful image, Earl. Did you refrigerate it before shooting it? Kidding, of course.
I have no real objectives for the second half of the year, but I beleive the first half was enhanced since I started following some interesting blogs, such as this one, and it helped me improve quite a bit. I am grateful for the advice and encouragement that I see daily. These blogs have given me new purpose, and I’m thankful for that.
Ken, thanks. LOL — this little spider would of probably loved to spend some time in the refrigerator. However, in this case he probably was holding still because it was too darn hot to move.
I’ve enjoy getting to know you better in this 2011 first half through your comments here, and via wonderful photos and posts on your blog. You’ve become a wonderful addition to my reading list.
Don’t know about the second half yet. The first six months were such a whirlwind that my head is still spinning… :)
I like the photo, and you have some good thoughts going here. Hope the second half treats you well Earl.
I’ve had periods in my life where things were very unsettled, even to the point of living in my car for a while — I was younger but it was stressful, Looking back now with rose-colored glasses those times seen like adventures — moments when I felt totally alive.
PJ, I hope you find some stability in the second half and I admire your grit. :-)
Thanks!
Lovely image, Earl. The emerald green color is striking and nicely complemented by the orange on the spider.
Eric, thanks. I hope you had a great 4th of July weekend!
Nice photo and use of light. I love the water droplets in the foreground and the green is vivid.
You have a very valid point when it comes to photographers being a product of their environment. I try not to fall into a particular genre, although I have a favorite style of shooting / genre. I’m very fortunate to live in the DC metro area. Nature and City are 30 mins either way I go. I try to be very diverse in my photos, especially working on my weak points.
My first half of photography was very good, I started with new a system (Canon 60D) in January and I’ve put on about 4-5k clicks on the body. So far it’s been a wonderful camera and performance has been top notch. I’ve had several trips this year and I’ll be capping it off with Brazil later this year and hopefully to China beginning of next year with JT. Overall I’m pleased with where I am, but I could definitely improve in a lot of areas still. I’ll be tackling more photographic projects this half.
Nik, it sounds like you have a very photo opp. rich environment where you live. I lived just north of Washington, DC for several years back in the 80’s.
Wow, nice travel plans for the near future…Brazil and China. It’s been a real plus for me finding your site and I’ve enjoyed both your and JT’s photos and articles.
With your drive there no doubt will be many positive things for you in the future — I look forward to following along.
What a ‘wow’ shot – lovely!
I’m not even prepared to believe we are a quarter of the way through the year yet, let alone half.
Journey…I know. I would say “where did the time go” but that make’s me sound old. ;-)
Thanks and happy second half!
Great shot, Earl, and an interesting topic for thought. I have some wonderful memories from the first half of this year. Still, I can’t say that 2011 has, so far, been a favorite. On the other hand, I have great hopes for the second half of the year. Ken brought to mind one promising element: I have met some extremely interesting new people on line and look forward to knowing them, and their work, better.
That’s a brilliant image, I particularly love the shallow depth of field and the sparkle of the rain drops. Not using a macro lens allowed you to incorporate the environment and create a sense of scale which I really love. The interplay between light and shadow is absolutely stunning, great work Earl.