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Dead Head
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Dead Head

by Howard Cheek

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted November 20, 2013127 views6 comments
These is a thistle seed head that has fallen onto an empty stem from above. Two years back I had an explosion of eye level thistle plants in one area, and they were packed together tightly.
This one I found a bit away from the pack, with some space to make this shot..
F/8, 1/500th, ISO 500, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm + Kenko 2x ext.(I was set up for insect macro). Light overcast, no flash.

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on November 20, 2013 at 6:40 PM
The details here are terrific, Howard, and the soft background sets off the seed head very well. The repeated pattern of the heads and their tails works wonderfully. Very well captured.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 20, 2013 at 6:57 PM
What an odd looking by chance catch between the two plants, Howard. Sure provides an interesting look see at the one on top starting to fall apart. Excellent detail in the larger version and the muted soft BG helps define the FG plants very nicely too. I really like the brown tone color in the pod falling apart also.Lots to see here. :cool:
Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on November 20, 2013 at 9:19 PM
What an interesting comp you have found here, Howard! The seed head, so delicately perched on its nicely angled stem, is full of fascinating details and design. I like the progression of the tightly packed seeds moving upwards to the fluffed up seeds, reaching to strike out on their own. I also really like the neutral colors in this image. That green works great as a background for this tan and brown natural "sculpture".
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on November 21, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Hi Howard :wavey: A beautiful image :eek: :cool: you captured the shapes and forms perfectly. I love thistles!! wish i had more on my farm :smile:
Albert Darmo
Canada
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Lockhart on November 22, 2013 at 10:00 PM
Really nice catch here Howard; great background and lots of detail. Good DOF lets you explore everywhere.
Registered on February 19, 2013, 91 Posts, 500 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 27, 2013 at 7:46 PM
Congratulations Howard on the EP / WP in the WC gallery with this fine image..... :toast:
Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments