Macro Maddness at Garland Ranch

Well, another long day behind the camera, tripod, diffusers, reflectors and remote shutter release!

It was a day at Garland Ranch under the guidance and coaching of David Gubernick - a pro and a macro expert. We were challenged to look at flowers as one would look through a microscope, coping with the body that doesn't collapse that way anymore, the tripod that doesn't want to go that low, the wind that blows ever so slightly, the new camera with far too many controls, the lens that only likes to be up close and the sun blazing away. At least it wasn't raining. And, to say nothing of a few dog-walking hecklers passing by along the path at the Ranch. 

Then one has to find the flower, set-up the equipment ever so carefully, focus on the  subject and then modify the sunlight with a diffuser (strong sunlight just isn't always right). And then one must  compensate for the diffused light, by holding a gold reflector at just the right angle to illuminate the microscopic subject. Contortions, that's what was going on. So - set-up done, diffuser in one hand, gold reflector in the other, camera in focus. How does one trip the shutter? Third hand?

What could be the outcome of a day like this. Well, you'll just have to judge for yourself!

The morning began in the field looking for the smallest flower in sight. This one was tiny, emerging from a leaf about an inch in diameter. Diffused light, gold reflector and the lens about 3" away form the barely noticed flower. Off to a good start?

Then further along the road to some blue ones, these a lot bigger but another challenge of body and technology.

The afternoon started with two lone California Poppies off at the edge of a barren field. This was the smaller of the two. Or more correctly, the inside of the smaller one. The focus was a challenge and I couldn't get the aphids in focus while concentrating on the other filements and pollen. Progress?

Then after going through more set-ups, re-arranging the tripod, moving diffusers and reflectors this is what a California Poppy can look like after the session - sadly for the poppy. The petals were used for another back-drop, while I retreated to more sturdy subjects. Progress - Not!

Undaunted; we persevered and finished the day trying to capture the single seed pod on a single stalk of grass. A real challenge as all the variables by this time were out of control, the body was tired and sore, but the instructor was proposing just one more challenge. Finis!

Was the day worth it?          Would I do it again?       

Not right away!