Category Archives: macro

Into the Light

Posted by Mike on

Wordless Wednesday
Columbus Botanical Garden

Into the Light
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/60s, f/5, ISO 100

Haunting Memories

Posted by Mike on

Haiku
Squared – SQ220
Columbus Botanical Gardens

Haunting Memories

Shadows pass beneath,
Cherished thoughts held deep within
Haunting memories.

Haunting Memories
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 100

Uniquely Me

Posted by Mike on

The LIttle Things – TLT022
Columbus Botanical Garden

Again?

Yes.

You’re not getting tired of this place?

No.

Ugh, wake me up when you’re done.

You’re going to miss it all.

Been there, done that. Don’t forget to wake me.

I’ll probably leave you there so you can see what I see.

Not likely…

You’ll be sorry.

Zzzzz!

It is Friday afternoon, the work week shrinking away in the rearview mirror as I head to the botanical garden. I waited until late in the afternoon to visit my floral sanctum. It was hot out, but I knew there would be plenty of shade if I needed it. I wanted to see the gardens once again through my macro lens. Always a wonderful time…

I’m enjoying these extended Friday hours. Although, using the normal hours as an excuse to leave work early was nice, not having to rush over is better. It doesn’t hurt that not a lot of people show up for the extended hours, so I have the place practically to myself. Time for my walk-about.

I tell myself to look for the little things, but in reality I’m letting the them find me. The little things have a way of jumping out and catching my eye. Either the color or the light will stop me as I walk. The camera is coming up as I crouch down to get a closer look at what needed my attention. Hey there, let me show you off to everyone…

I was asked the other day how I decide a title for each image. Sometimes, the title is in my head as I’m capturing the image. Other times, the title is an extension of how the image makes me feel or how I felt when I saw the subject. How each person “sees” my images is different, colored by the lens of their experiences. I believe the title I give each enhances how they are viewed, or maybe they are simply words with meaning only to me.

Embrace Your Unique Light by Nora Sterling

In the realm of comparison, a poem I share,
A tale of emotions that many may bear.
When compared to another, we often feel small,
Inadequate, lesser, not measuring up at all.

But let me remind you, dear soul, it's not fair,
To judge your worth based on another's affair.
Each one is unique, with a story untold,
A journey of growth, both precious and bold.

Comparison breeds envy, steals joy away,
Drowns us in sorrow, day after day.
Remember, my friend, you're a masterpiece true,
No need to compete or try to outdo.

Embrace your own path, your strengths, and your light,
For in being yourself, you shine ever so bright.
You are enough, just as you are,
A shining star, no matter how far.

So let go of comparisons, break free from that chain,
Embrace your uniqueness, and let your true self reign.
For in celebrating others, without envy or strife,
We discover the beauty in each of our lives.

Uniquely Me
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/60s, f/8, ISO 100

Dreaming of You

Posted by Mike on

Wordless Wednesday
Squared – SQ219
Columbus Botanical Garden

Dreaming of You
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/250s, f/5, ISO 100

Roar of the Lion

Posted by Mike on

Columbus Botanical Garden

Puff Pop
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/160s, f/8, ISO 100

Too Much Off the Top
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/320s, f/8, ISO 100

Not To Be Overlooked

Posted by Mike on

The Little Things – TLT021
Columbus Botanical Garden

Where do I begin?

Stop being dramatic, write something!

But everything is all jumbled in my head.

When has that prevented you from rambling on…

Uncalled for…

Is it?

Fine.

Friday. The end of the work week, but the start of the weekend (at least once work is finished). Is it the closure of the “40 hrs of work”, or is it the possibilities the next 64 hours holds that excites you the most? For me, it is the possibilities (even if I have a tendency to squander them).

I went to work early so I could escape before everyone else rushing toward their weekend. I would like to say I had exciting plans but my cat Oliver had his annual check-up at 4pm. He was not going to be happy with me. Once I arrived home, fed the boys it was time to close down all of Oliver’s escape routes and hiding places. I did a good job not giving away my plan (although I think Milo knew something was up).

Surprisingly, Oliver didn’t protest and walked in his carrier without a struggle. I swear, it takes me longer to get him to the vet than the time for the actual exam. I shouldn’t complain, he is healthy and all set for another year. Once we get back home his indifference to my attempts at apologizing sting a little, but I’ll get over it.

OK. Now the weekend can begin!

A few weeks ago the botanical garden switched to their summer hours. The only difference is now they are open until 7pm on Fridays. Woo hoo! My plan is now set… get over to the garden, soak in the sun while I explore the new blossoms and then go grab some dinner at my favorite kitchen/bar around the corner from my apartment.

Once again, I think I had the garden to myself. I met quite a few of the workers as they work to get the garden ready for the next big exhibit, La Calavera Catrina. I’m really looking forward to this one as it is all summer long with plenty of scheduled events. A little over two weeks before it begins… 🙂

I’m amazed at the new blossoms for me to photograph. As you know, I visit often, so seeing new stuff makes me smile. I get a little distracted when I find this little one chillin’ out on one of the flowers. I know I shouldn’t have intruded, but I thought if I work quick enough he (or she) wouldn’t get too upset.

Back Off
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 100

After nearly exhausting all the possibilities in the garden proper, I head down the path to the Camellia Garden. I didn’t think I would find any more little mushrooms, but the walk would be good and who knows, maybe I’ll find something interesting. Lush and green, but definitely no blossoms in this section of the garden.

I knew this… as I make my way down one of the unpaved, side paths movement catches my eye. Oh, a little frog, and by little I mean barely the size of a silver dollar. He was making his way to the edge of the path, probably so I wouldn’t step on him with my big clod hoppers. Not so scared of me that I couldn’t get a close-up though…

Pardon Me
Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/125s, f/4, ISO 500

There really is not much more to see. I walk the paths, enjoying the relative silence before heading back to the entrance. It is such a nice way for me to transition from work. Batteries definitely re-charged. Time for me to go find dinner…

Today is full of possibilities… what are your plans for the weekend?