Deep in the Garden (Original Photography)

Howdy!

It's been a beautiful day here, for a Monday, with the sun shining, low humidity, and flowers blooming everywhere! So, what better for "Macro Monday" then some close-ups from the garden.

^{Stamen and Flowers}
I purchased a true macro lense (1:1 capable) a few years ago from a seller on Craigslist. I met him in a dodgy coffee shop in a not-too-sketchy part of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN), where we made a cash transaction. For awhile, it was the sharpest lens I owned and, for the price I paid, it was a great investment.

^{More Flower Tenticles (Stamen)}
Macro lenses let you focus in very close. With an APS-C sensor, a macro lens can get close enough to fill the frame with a penny, more or less. They're a little tricky to use, because the depth of field (ammout in focus) is really small. If you breathe while pressing the shutter, it can result in a blurry mess. Canon makes an L-series version of my 100mm macro that has stabilization, but it's double the price. Nobody seems to sell them on Craigslist, either.

^{Hungry Little Pest}
The botanically inclined know that gardens are more than just flowers and bunnies. Especially since bunnies eat flowers and are usually chased out. This photo is of another little pest, but I don't know what type of insect it is. They were happily munching on flower leaves. This one appears to have dozed off in a comfortable spot... Do bugs sleep?

^{Marigold +1}
This marigold has a visitor, too. Fortunately, the ants don't seem to shred leaves or decapitate flowers.

As for macros, they're not only useful in the garden. Being able to get close to objects presents some interesting photo potential. This next photo is of an old-fashioned jelly jar.

^{Old-Fashioned Jelly Jar}

Thank you for taking a look! If you enjoy my work, please click the upvote button. Comments are also greatly appreciated.