After the rain

[David Paterson]

 . . . poppy, rose and crocosmia

[Andrew]

Very well done!

[David Paterson]

Thanks, Andrew.

We are surrounded here by flowers, from late April until October, so it seems quite normal and natural to photograph them occasionally.

[Jakov Minić]

David, the crocosmia rain drops are stunning!

[Akira]

All are nice, Dave!

The two red tips of the grasses giving accents to the third image work great.

[Tristin]

Last image is very pleasing. 

[David Paterson]

Many thanks, Jakov, Akira and Tristin.

I agree with the majority opinion that #3 is the best image.

[simato73]

Dave, I really like your new images, especially the first and last.
In addition, they are a good learning opportunity.
I have just dipped my toes in the area of close-ups in nature and have much to learn, not only for the shooting technique, but also for developing a certain look in the images.
Looking at yours, especially the last one, I can appreciate how much full of contrast it is compared to the images I produce. It makes me think that I should be bolder developing my images.

[Anirban Halder]

Totally agree with all the previous comments. First and last one are jaw-dropping.

[David Paterson]

Thanks, Simone and Anirban.

Simone - I remember you posted some very nice close-up images after our "group walk" in the woods alongside Loch Tay during the Scotland 2016 event. Of course we can all learn from each other if we have our wits about us, but your close-up work seems pretty strong already. The "look" of anyone's close-up images depends to quite an extent on choice of lens and choice of lighting - I favour the 70-200/f4 with a 15mm auto extension tube, and always shoot in overcast conditions. (Of course, I'm talking about "naturalistic" images; not uv, ir or  wildly abstract work, where different measures apply.)