CalevPhoto

Playing around with dandelion seeds

Dandelions have always been one of my favorite subjects – in particular the seeds as they fall.  Sure, they’re weeds – but they’re graceful weeds.

This particular image is a focus stack from two images.  I have been working a bit more with focus stacking using Zerene stacker and find it very useful – in particular for someone like me who does not have a lot of time.

Dandelion seeds can actually be rather tricky to photograph.  I usually find that more than 1:1 magnification is required so I use my MP-E 65 anywhere from 1:1 to 2:1.  Generally the seeds do not stay still so a flash is required.  It can be quite tricky though getting the seed in your viewfinder and in focus as they tend to sway quite a bit in the wind – causing the seed to come in and out of my viewfinder.

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Fun with dandelion seeds

One subject I enjoy taking almost as much as insects is dandelion seeds.  Thanks to the extreme care I give to my lawn, dandelions are abundant.  I enjoy finding seeds that are almost ready to fly away and in some cases a tiny bit of Photoshop is all that is necessary to give the illusion that it is already floating away.  The following shots were not Photoshopped in that way, though I typically bring the shadows up to emphasize the seeds.  I have found that the Canon 180L is the perfect lens for this.  Very often 1x is all I need and the MP-E 65 can often disturb the seed if I am not careful.

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