Exploring the bush

I love all the contrasts in this, Carolyn Derstine. Nice isolation of the background through focus and sufficient DoF for the entire depth of the subjects, achieved at a very tiny aperture with long exposure. Not a windy day, I take it?

In terms of composition, I really love the straight lines of the blades of grass contrasted with the spherical shapes of the water drops, and the repitition of the lines witihin the central drop which reminds me of an eye and then causes me to consider my own eye viewing it, pulled to that point by the highest luminance spot in the image.

I also like it that the implied diagonals in the bokeh are running counter to those of the foreground grass blades; nice balance.

The bright red at the top nicely balances the brightness at the bottom of the water drop, providing a secondary point of focus for the eye, and, at the same time, a nice color contrast with the green leaves of grass.

And then finally, the green strike frame is sort of like the blades of grass.

The details are all the more impressive in the larger view. Proof that it's possible to get outstanding single-shot macros without stacks.

I sure do like the juxtaposition of soft round drops and thin pointed needles. The view through the drop is also fine but does show the challenge of keeping the sky from getting blown out when it's overcast. Sure glad the bush didn't eat you.

Well, look a little closer next time. You might find an ant lion, tiger beetle, or wooly bear I do not recall seeing many compositions composed of pine needles. Kudos for finding an original subject. The larger version Doesn't seem really sharp. A larger aperture might have helped. Nice image though and would make a nice print if not too large.

I like the strong lines with the subtle reflection inside the drop of water here Carolyn. Good DOF to give strength to the pine needles. Fun shot, thanks for adding your touch.

Like the strong lines in this photo and the water drop reflection is great, plus the two drops provide some balance. Interesting how the foreground lines are juxtaposed against the fainter background lines. Nice shot!

Very nice Carolyn. I find the interior of plants display scenes rarely seen or even thought of by most people. I like the comp, BG and the clarity of the droplets, Well done.

William Gillis