Cosmos

 

It is over two weeks since I posted last and it is incredible because I have so much to get through, but after long days at work mostly in front of my computer I just haven't really felt like taking more time looking at a screen and concentrating on processing images to share.

That being said today and over the next few days I can see myself spending an awful lot of time sorting through files and photos so perhaps there will be more to see. Who knows this might not even be my only post for today...

For today though I have selected two shots of a variety of Cosmos, a plant from the daisy family I believe. This one has luscious pink petals and a radiant yellow centre which really made it stand out. The texture of the petals as they curl seems to give movement to the flower even though it is perfectly still.

In the first image I just adjusted the contrast a little but in the second I wanted to try a completely different treatment, converting it to black and white, pulling up the contrast and increasing the blacks and shadows to create what I think is a really effective image. I love it, the movement in this image, to me at least, has the feel of fire and smoke. Maybe it is just me but however it looks to you I hope you will agree that it is a pretty cool photo.

You Know Spring Has Arrived When...

This morning we were blessed with beautiful clear skies and glorious early morning sunshine. It was a cold start to the day but definitely worth the effort of getting up and out early to capture the early sun on theses beautiful bluebells in the Gorse Covert at the RSPB reserve at Burton Mere.

I always look for the emergence of bluebells to signal that Spring has truly arrived. I have lots of happy memories of walks in woodlands where there were carpets of native bluebells and although this display is not as dense as some of those I grew up with it is still heartwarming and a boost to the spirits.

Echinops

I liked the picture of the bees feasting on the Echinops yesterday so I decided to post a few more images of this amazing flower today.

I like the first shot, taken from a low vantage point it gives the impression of balloons floating away. 

I also really like the third shot getting in close to show the detail of the spiky blossoms.

I can't decide which I like best, do you have a favourite? If so leave a comment below.

Busy Bees

For the eagle-eyed among you it will be obvious that strictly speaking the title of today's post is not 100% accurate, more like 66% but even so every picture is a winner.

About a week ago I posted a couple of pictures of humble bumble bees busily at work sucking up the nectar and today I have a couple more, plus one of a hover fly at rest on the stem of a wild rose. 

I love my Canon 100mm macro lens because it lets me get right up close to the little things and there is always so much we would miss without a closer look. Take a close look at the final picture and you can see the individual hairs on the mandibles, the segments of the antennae and the barbs on the "foot" clasping the petal.