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WC569 - Leaf in Ice
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WC569 - Leaf in Ice

by Richard Ditch

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted January 27, 201363 views4 comments
Leaf frozen in ice

Place: Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ
Date: unknown, but probably late 70’s or early 80’s
Equipment: Nikon, 55/3.5 macro, hand held
Film: Kodachrome 64
Exposure: Aperture priority center-weighted meter
Scan: Minolta Dimage, 100% of frame

I don’t think “winter macro” has the same implications in Phoenix as in other parts of the country, so I’ve reached back into my files from my days of shooting film back in NJ to get the proper spirit of the challenge.

Textures and color contrasts (warm and cold) made this an irresistible subject for me, as well as the themes of decay and loneliness. I’d still take this today but I’d be more careful with space around the leaf, and I’d take many frames to improve my chances of hand-held sharpness.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Larger version provided.

Comments

4 comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on January 27, 2013 at 3:30 PM
I also have always found leaves in ice interesting to photograph. As you said, I think it's the combination of a variety of textures and color contrasts. I hadn't really thought about the loneliness and decay symbolism in these kinds of images, but yes, that does work too. As you also said, more room around the leaf would be good and a sharper focus but I'm glad you found an image to post to participate in this challenge! :smile: Sorry if this challenge alienates some of you warm weather folks. . . :rolleyes:
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 28, 2013 at 10:34 AM
The leaf really stands out well against the chilly, icy background. I was wondering about "winter in Phoenix" (or in the tropics)....must be some lovely blooms hanging around.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by RL Potts on January 28, 2013 at 3:49 PM
I would love to shoot winter macros in your area. I shot many in florida when I lived there. I am waiting for the rain to let up so I can try some macros on the beach. At any rate, the thing that catches my eye with this image is a bit of an optical illusion. To me, the leaf seems to be floating well above the ice. The difference in brightness between the leaf and the ice is remarkable. You have achieved a 3-d effect according to my monitor. The ice looks as deep as the stars.
Registered on November 24, 2003, 188 Posts, 985 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on March 12, 2013 at 7:25 PM
Well if I could go back 30 years and look at my past work.. Let's see. That would make about 80 :eek:
I enjoyed the note explaining the image, and what you would do differently now Rich.
Great entry:wavey:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments