Bits And Pieces
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This is what a visitor sees when exits from the other side of the upper Antelope Canyon. I've made this photo for the second time after seven years and the result is almost the same; but this time I was more prepared to capture its stunning textures details; then I underexposed a little in order to capture all blue and purple hues that the sensor was able to register, maintaining the strong light coming from the outside. The result is something that I printed on a metal surface like aluminium in a vertical, supersaturated composition.
Also known as the Torx drive. These are various sizes of torx drives from T15 up to T40. Shot for Macro Mondays "Stars" theme.
Thanks for viewing and happy Macro Monday!
Small Skipper | Thymelicus sylvestris | Hesperiidaee On Orange Hawk Bit | Pilosella aurantiaca | Asteraceae
Samsung NX1 & Kiron 105mm f/2.8 Macro
f/4 | Manual Focus | Available Light | Handheld
All Rights Reserved. © Nick Cowling 2020.
Switzerland, May 2021
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
My latest ANIMAL VIDEO (warning, it's a bit shocking): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2-Xszz7FI
You find a selection of my 80 BEST PHOTOS (mostly not yet on Flickr) here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/western-green-lizard-lacerta-bi... (the website exists in ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH)
ABOUT THE PHOTO:
So this photo is a bit of a novelty for me - at least here on Flickr, but it's also a journey back in time in a sense. I've always loved b/w and sepia photography; already as a very young teenager I would go out into the woods with an old Pentax Spotmatic (which I had nicked from my father) whenever it was a foggy day to shoot b/w compositions of sunbeams cutting through the ghostlike trees.
I used films with a sensitivity of at least 1600 (for those of you who remember what that means 😉 ), and the resulting photos had an incredibly fine grain which I loved; I blew them up to the size of posters and hung them on the walls of my teenage man-cave next to Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Slash.
But then I abandoned photography altogether for 20 years, and when I finally picked up a camera again, it was one of the digital kind. Now neither film nor grain played any role in my photographic endeavours - let alone b/w compositions: because the reason I fell in love with shooting pictures once more was the rare and incredibly colorful lizard species that had chosen my garden as its habitat.
It's this species - the Lacerta bilineata aka the western green lizard - that my photo website www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ and also my Flickr gallery are dedicated to, but I've since expanded that theme a bit so that it now comprises the whole Lacerta bilineata habitat, which is to say my garden and its immediate surroundings and all the flora and fauna I find in it.
I like that my gallery and the website have this clear theme, because in order to rise to the challenge of portraying all aspects of a very specific little eco system (which also happens to be my home of sorts), it forces me to constantly explore it from fresh angles, and I keep discovering fascinating new motives as my photographic journey continues.
Which brings me to the horse pasture you see in this photo. This playground for happy horsies lies just outside my garden, and it normally only interests me insofar as my green reptile friends claim parts of it as their territory, and I very much prefer it to be horseless (which it thankfully often is).
Not that the horses bother the reptiles - the lizards don't mind them one bit, and I've even seen them jump from the safety of the fly honeysuckle shrub which the pasture borders on right between the deadly looking hooves of the horses to forage for snails, without any sign of fear or even respect.
No, the reason I have a very conflicted relationship with those horses is that they are mighty cute and that there's usually also foals. The sight of those beautiful, happy animals jumping around and frolicking (it's a huge pasture and you can tell the horses really love it) is irresistible: and that inevitably attracts what in the entire universe is known as the most destructive anti-matter and ultimate undoing of any nature photographer: other humans.
Unlike with the horses, the lizards ARE indeed very much bothered by specimens of loud, unpredictable Homo sapiens sapiens - which makes those (and by extension also the horses) the cryptonite of this here reptile photographer. It's not the horses' fault, I know that, but that doesn't change a thing. I'm just telling you how it is (and some of you might have read about the traumatic events I had to endure to get a particular photo - if not, read at your own risk here: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/51405389883/in/datepo... - which clearly demonstrated that even when it's entirely horseless, that pasture is still a threat for artistic endeavours).
But back to the photo. So one morning during my vacation back in May I got up quite early. It had rained all night, and now the fog was creeping up from the valley below to our village just as the sky cleared up and the morning sun started to shine through the trees.
And just as I did when I was a teenager I grabbed my camera and ran out to photograph this beautiful mood of ghostlike trees and sunbeams cutting through the mist. There had already been such a day a week earlier (which is when I took this photo: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/51543603732/in/datepo... ), but this time, the horses were also there.
Because of our slightly strained relationship I only took this one photo of them (I now wish I had taken more: talk about missed opportunities), and otherwise concentrated on the landscape. It was only later when I went through all the photos on my computer that I realized that I actually really liked those horses, even despite the whole composition being such a cliché. And I realized another thing: when I drained the photo of all the color, I liked it even better - because there was almost a bit of grain in it, like in the photos from my youth.
Since then I have experimented quite a bit with b/w and sepia compositions (some of which I will upload here eventually I guess), but this photo here is the first one that helped me rediscover my old passion. I hope you like it even though it builds quite a stark contrast with the rest of my tiny - and very colorful - gallery. But in the spirit of showing you the whole Lacerta bilineata habitat (and also in the spirit of expanding my gallery a bit beyond lizards and insects), I think it's not such a bad fit.
As always, many greetings to all of you, have a wonderful day and don't hesitate to let me know what you think 😊
It was a bit too hot for this old guy to go looking for Elephants or Alligators, so I had to settle for taking Pics of the Hummingbirds that frequent my backyard. I believe this is an Allen’s Hummingbird.
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The Allen's Hummingbird:
In early spring, a narrow strip of scrub and chaparral along the Pacific Coast starts buzzing with the sights and sounds of the coppery and green Allen's Hummingbird. Males flash their brilliant reddish orange throat and put on an elaborate show for the females, swinging in pendulous arcs before climbing high into the sky and diving back down with a sharp squeal made by their tails. These early migrants mostly spend the winter in Mexico, but some stay in southern California year-round.
Allen's Hummingbirds breed in a narrow strip of habitat along coastal Oregon and California. Male and female Allen's Hummingbirds use different habitats during the breeding season. The male sets up a territory overseeing open areas of coastal scrub or chaparral, where he perches conspicuously on exposed branches. The female visits these areas, but after mating she heads into thickets or forests to build a nest and raise the young.
The Allen's Hummingbird is a remarkably early migrant compared with most North American birds. Northbound birds may depart their wintering grounds as early as December, arriving on their breeding grounds as early as January when winter rains produce an abundance of flowers.
Like other birds, Allen's Hummingbirds use their feet to help control their body temperature. When it's cold outside they tuck their feet up against their bellies while flying, but when temperatures soar, they let their feet dangle to cool down.
The oldest recorded Allen's Hummingbird was at least 5 years old when she was captured and rereleased in California during banding operations in 2009. She was banded in the same state in 2004.
(Sony, 200-600 @ 594 mm, 1/640 @ f/6.3, ISO 8000, edited to taste)
It's a good thing foil came up as a theme for Macro Mondays because now I have a reason for keeping a bag of multicolored foil bits! Perhaps they'll make it into ice cubes some day but for now it's a foil abstract.
The image area measures about 1.5 inches X 1.5 inches.
Nikon 55mm f/2.8 NIKKOR Micro, 9 image photo stack shot at f/11.
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus). This wood pigeon was trying to keep cool by oscillating his throat. However, he just looked a bit deranged to me!
Bit of a fun shot. This Snowy Egret was on it's way back into the sea to carry on fishing when it sensibly paused for a moment. The fact that the wind had also whipped up it's crown feathers was a real bonus.
Taken at North Beach, Fort De Soto, Florida.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving any comments or faves, they are very much appreciated.
A bit repetitive but I liked the pattern that emerged as I kept folding, distorting and tiling the sample of a syringe image!
Happy Slider Sunday - HSS
FYI: Perhaps this reminds some of "Acid Queen" and Tina Turner's performance in the movie "Tommy". I totally understand...
This fabulous camellia is a new addition to my winter garden. It was discovered in 2011. Unlike any other camellia, It has 7 petals!!!
This image is basically straight out of the camera. I cropped it a little bit and added a watermark. That's all.
What do you want from me? Why don't you run from me?
What are you wondering? What do you know?
Why aren't you scared of me? Why do you care for me?
When we all fall asleep, where do we go?
(Come here)
Say it, spit it out. What is it exactly?
You're payin'? Is the amount cleanin' you out? Am I satisfactory?
Today, I'm thinkin' about the things that are deadly
The way I'm drinkin' you down
Like I wanna drown, like I wanna end me
Step on the glass, staple your tongue (ah)
Bury a friend, try to wake up (ah-ah)
Cannibal class, killing the son (ah)
Bury a friend, I wanna end me
I wanna end me
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna... end me
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna...
What do you want from me? Why don't you run from me?
What are you wondering? What do you know?
Why aren't you scared of me? Why do you care for me?
When we all fall asleep, where do we go?
(Listen)
Keep you in the dark. What had you expected?
Me to make you my art and make you a star?
And get you connected?
I'll meet you in the park, I'll be calm and collected
But we knew right from the start that you'd fall apart
'Cause I'm too expensive
It's probably somethin' that shouldn't be said out loud
Honestly, I thought that I would be dead by now (wow)
Calling security, keepin' my head held down
Bury the hatchet or bury a friend right now
The debt I owe, gotta sell my soul
'Cause I can't say no, no, I can't say no
Then my limbs are frozen, my eyes won't close
And I can't say no, I can't say no
(Careful)
Step on the glass, staple your tongue (ah)
Bury a friend, try to wake up (Ah-ah)
Cannibal class, killing the son (ah)
Bury a friend, I wanna end me
I wanna end me
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna... end me
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna...
What do you want from me? Why don't you run from me?
What are you wondering? What do you know?
Why aren't you scared of me? Why do you care for me?
When we all fall asleep, where do we go?
Texture from Inky Papers 2 - available with 20% launch discount until Tuesday - texture-shop.co.uk/product/inky-papers-2/ use code INKY2LAUNCH
Also known as the Golden Browed Bulbul, this is an endemic bird of South India and Sri Lanka. The bird is bright yellow and easy to identify in the bush and canopy where they are sighted. Apparently, this subspecies of the bird we shot in the Malabar region / Western Coast is a bit paler than the subspecies on the other coast - though I haven't seen it yet.
The birds are of the same size as other bulbuls - maybe 20 cms - and are found in small groups. We sighted several around fruiting trees such as wild berries, Figs and they were quite loud during the time. The calls were a tad easy to remember and just like other bulbuls they were noisy. This is the start of their breeding season and hence I think they were out more than usual.
Many thanks in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
Think I will have a "Bit of Something on Blue week" (bound to be fairly minimal so no offence if you decide to pop back when it's all over :-)
In bits and pieces, Spring comes to us. Colors change. The light we enjoy daily changes too. Simple changes invite us to slow down and enjoy the miracle of the changing season. Otherwise, it will feel as if Spring happened overnight. Please take the time to enjoy the change as it appears. It’s so worth the effort:-)
Thanks for viewing my work. Stay safe and be kind. Mask up 😷 and enjoy your day.
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Pentax K-5
Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8
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© 2021 stefanorugolo | All rights reserved.
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Thank you for your visit, most appreciated!
she had bits of soul
in everything. from
her laugh to her
tears and in a world
of plastic smiles
and corrugated
feelings,
you couldn't help
but feel it.
- JmStorm
"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't."
Henry Ward Beecher
I'm sure everyone has had that sort of a day....just feeling a bit obstinate. Apparently insects exhibit those feelings, too.
"Macro Mondays" – "Stack"
Jörg Schubert / #schubertj73
Titel: Stapel Bit Sammlung - Industrie Produkt Makro Kunst Fotografie.
Jörg Schubert / #schubertj73
Title: Stack Bit Collection - Industrial Product Macro Art Photography.
Credit @ Dimi's in RFL in Home&Garden Expo 2020 Hope4
Backdrop : DiMi's - Tuscany (Rez - 120 LI) *Rezzing by Rezzar
Credit @ Little branch
LB_WildShingleOak{Animated}*4Seasons
LB_WildGrass.v1{4Seasons}*Animated
Credit @ GOOSE
GOOSE - Echo chair BROWN
GOOSE - Echo table BROWN
GOOSE - Echo chair GREEN
GOOSE - Echo table GREEN
GOOSE - Lavendel pot light
Credit @ Refuge "Sweets Shop Gacha"
1. Refuge - Sweets Shop Counter Pink RARE
5. Refuge - Sweets Shop Ice Cream Machine Pink
8. Refuge - Sweets Shop Cupcake Single Blue
11. Refuge - Sweets Shop Cupcake Box Blue
6. Refuge - Sweets Shop Ice Cream Machine Blue
9. Refuge - Sweets Shop Neon Sign Blue
3. Refuge - Sweets Shop Marquee Sign Pink
13. Refuge - Sweets Shop Sundae A
I feel a little bit princessy today. Don't mind me ^_^. So here's me with naked face.
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Taken with Black Dragon viewer.
Pose is adjusted with BD Poser
Minor editing using Ibispaintx.
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So this is love, mmm
So this is love
So this is what makes life divine
I'm all aglow, mmm
And now I know (and now I know)
The key to all heaven is mine
My heart has wings, mmm
And I can fly
I'll touch every star in the sky
So this is the miracle
That I've been dreaming of
Mmm, mmm
So this is love
..........................................
After reading numerous bits of advice about water drop photography, I decided to try my hand at it. Over one hundred photos later, I found that I had captured this floral water drop as it headed for a splash landing. Although I've tried to replicate this exact experience, it will have to remain in my heart and mind. I suppose that is what is beautiful about life. Every event is rather special in its own way. It's interesting how photography can turn one into a philosopher.
A bit of feline fantasy uses a photo that I took of my cat in his garden in Deep Dream Generator and Topaz Studio 2.
"Maybe the real work is in finding a way to be brave enough to live every bit of the life that's left."~ Elaine Roth
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A bit of a tongue-in-cheek, a la "The Lord of the Rings" (both my favorite book and movie)
Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!
SAVE THE TURKEYS!!! :D
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzx2KQ7VM5E
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Model: Skye McLeod Fairywren
Bento Mesh Head: Catwa Margeaux
Bento Mesh Body: Maitreya Lara
Face/Body Applier: Glam Affair
Face Tattoo: She Wolf Makeup by Entice
Hair: Whispers in the Wind by Tableau Vivant
Sylph Ears: Illusions
Sensual Ivy 2 Brown Outfit w/ Appliers by irrISIStible
Berserker Long Boots (brown) by Zenith
Flapping Faery Wings: *Epic 2.0*
Autumn Leaf Necklace & Cuff: Shiny Things
Staff of Wonders: Talevin's Magic Sky Village Store
JINX Turkey Mod for Waterhorse & Turkey Hug Bumper now @ The Chapter Four
Turkey Collection: JIAN
Skye Enchanted Tree Tunnel by Studio Skye
SIM: The Ippos Collective @ maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ippos/11/44/21