This challenge is a perfect one for me, because I’m actually really in a bit of a down phase in my mood swingometer, and the furthest I want to walk is about 100 yards to the castle to allow the manic dog some freedom. So, anything that involves a maximum of 50 steps is very welcome.
Just when we thought Spring was finally here in jolly old England, Mother Nature threw in a cruel twist of frost this morning. So – I donned my thermals and ventured 47 steps before I took this:
Click on the photo to get a better resolution. For some reason, they always seem to look a bit blurred on the post page itself.
It’s the same type of Nettle I photographed for Dangerous Liaisons last week. … Those stingers aren’t so scary looking now, are they!
If you want to check out the challenge for yourself, just pop over to Print-Sense Photography and Design’s blog.
Alice through the Macro Lens 
Nicely done! This is an excellent first submission for this week’s challenge. ~ Sherene
Thanks! Always nice to hear that I’m first at something! Even if, in this case, it’s only “first off the mark”. 🙂
This is so beautiful. I love macro photography. I’m just starting to learn photography (getting to know my camera and such). One day I really want to get a good macro lens. I’m really drawn to this area. Your photos are stunning.
Thank you very much for your kind words.
I know there are many photographers out there who will hunt me down for this, but I think good pictures are more down to having a “good eye” than to the equipment you use. For years I used an old Fujica camera I bought for $50 in a pawnbrokers. No “auto” anything! Just good old trial and error, and a lot of wasted money on processing.
I’m still not sold on the digital age , and even though I finally submitted and bought a (still relatively downmarket) digital camera, the macro lens I use with it now was less than £100 (new at the time) on EBay. I think they are still less than £150.
I don’t like to manipulate my pictures on the computer at all, except perhaps cropping and correcting the colour, unless I just have a crazy moment, and play with the filters out of boredom. The rest is just pure, blind luck.
Good luck with your new hobby 🙂
Thank you so much. Actually, I really loved to read this. Although I definitely have gone digital, I have this thing about all this post processing stuff that is done now a days. I can totally appreciate their work, but my desire is to get to a place where I don’t really feel the need to do that. I like the thought of being able to enjoy the picture just as it is. Thanks so much for your perspective. I am challenged. (Also greatly appreciated your view on the lenses. I think I’ll take your advice on that. ;D)
Lovely photo of frosted nettles. Oooooo, now makes me want to purchase a macro lens. But, back to writing instead.
I’m sure your writing manages to reach below the surface too.
Have just found this following on from Sherene’s review of the week, and the new challenge for this coming week. I love this shot. I have extension tubes so can do similar things, but need to get in a bit more practice, I think. I love the crystals on the needles.
http://myphotoyear2012.wordpress.com/
Thanks very much, Kate.
Not quite as splendid as your view from your home … but there’s beauty everywhere, I suppose, if we look close enough 🙂
Beautiful macro!!! Such deep rich colors!
Thank you 🙂
It was actually quite tricky to keep it calmed down. The frost tends to glare a lot if the contrast is stepped up even a little bit, so I’m glad I didn’t push it too much.
I love the stuff you do on your site too.
Amazing shot!
Thanks for saying so! 🙂
You’re welcome. I love the macro shots and think it takes talent to capture them so nicely.