[Theme] In search of spring, 2016

[Jakov Minić]

Arend, how did the backgrund turn out perfectly dark. As if you shot the calf in a studio. Really nice.
Thomas, there's still dust on your sensor. Nevertheless, the dandelion is magically tender

[ArendV]

Thanks Jakov, the calf was outside in a pretty harsh sun which created this high contrast. I have darkened the background a bit more in post, but not much.

[Anirban Halder]

This is a very diverse thread.
Arend, how this calf shot is related to Spring. Yellow earmarks and Spring? I'm not challenging at all, just trying to understand. Terrific shot in any case.

Minneapolis, where 7 months are Scandinavian winter, Spring is the best and most welcoming season.

Lake Calhoun Parkway

[Thomas G]

Arend, how did the backgrund turn out perfectly dark. As if you shot the calf in a studio. Really nice.
Thomas, there's still dust on your sensor. Nevertheless, the dandelion is magically tender

i know. Need to clean it before Sunday in Maastricht, though.

[Joost Bollens]

some harbingers of spring

[Akira]

Hi, Joost, you use the fisheye in a beautiful way.  I also like the second closeup image.  The slight iridescent (?) in the fuzzy hairs of the stem gives a nice color effect.

[Jakov Minić]

Joost makes some really nice images.

[Joost Bollens]

Akira & Jakov, thank you for your kind remarks.

The first and the third  were made with a samyang 8 mm f/3.5. I borrowed this lens from a friend as I wanted to play with a fisheye but didn't want to buy one  since it will not see enough use. As this lens does not cover full frame, some heavy cropping was needed.
The close up was made with an old sigma 300 mm f/4 af apo macro. Lousy af, but nice manual focus and attractive for close ups with a minimal distance of 120 cm and magnification 1:3

[Jakov Minić]

Joost, none of my lenses see enough use, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't own them 
In other words: given the lovely fish-eye photos that you have shown us, I find it a pity that you don't want to own one

[John Geerts]

Nice fresh Dandelions Anirban,  pleasant bokeh and background as well.

Beautifull stuff Joost.  I can imagine your thoughts about a Fisheye. I tested one myself, but see no reason (yet) of owning one  

[Thomas G]

some harbingers of spring

Joost, these are some very fine images. I particulary like the first one :-)

[Thomas G]

Little guest series again. Better: little varmints. Captured yesterday on a very humid morning they were crawling up the plants.
Weather like it feels like we are quickly transitioning into summer.

[HCS]

..., but see no reason (yet) of owning one

There is never a real reason to own a fish-eye, other than owning it 

And then you use it.

[armando_m]

purchased flowers ... but I think it fits the theme due to the colorful selection

[Thomas G]

Today's result of yesterday's snail revelry.