Two Leaves

absolutely lovely texture and blur.

Not your most exciting portfolio offering but interesting for the technique (blending focus) you used.  I have only a superficial notion of what that means.  Perhaps you could expand on it.  Maybe it's something I could use.  I do like the background treatment leaving (pun, sorry) your subject in prominence.  The soft but directional light helps to give shape & enhance textures.  I also think you've framed it about as well as you could.  Best, LM.

Many thanks for your visit and comments.

Electric Picture,

I imagined an intimate relationship between these two leaves; they were "alone" on a small bush. I am happy with the result.

Len,

I like macro work. It is slow. It forces me think more, see differently and requires utmost attention to all the details. I can think of nothing other than my little project while I am busy doing macro work. Almost like meditation. The result may not be as important and valuable as the experience.

This is a macro with almost 1:1 ratio using a dedicated 105mm macro lens.  The DOF even at f/20 is about 2 millimeters. The bigger leaf measures not more than 10 millimeters (front to back). So, a single shot can only show a small part of it in focus. Here, I have made 5 or 6 exposures, focusing on slightly different parts each time. A software then, selected the sharper part of each image and merged them together. I guess it would have taken about a week of darkroom work to do something like this 20 year or so ago. This one took about an hour from shooting to processing and post processing completely.

For better results, the lighting should remain stable in between the shots and one should make as many images as possible focusing at slightly different parts (back to front / front to back) each time. Merging these images using common garden software is also possible theoretically (using layers, masks etc.) but is impractical, to say the least.

Remarkable!  I had heard of this technique before but either forgot about it or didn't understand it at the time.  You've made things crystal clear.  Thanks for broadening my horizons.  Which software were you using?  Sounds like a whole new interesting area to study. (ie: time pit)  :-)  Can't argue with your result though.  It works!  Since I would be using film cameras for macro work of this kind I would face a whole new layer (scanning) to the work involved.  Best, LM.

Happy to be of help :)

I use "Helicon Focus" for focus blending but I believe there are others as well.

Really beautiful work, Bulent!

Excellent work, Bulent. I wonder about the light piece on the stalk. I can't quite decide whether it helps or hinders.

Thank you both for visiting and commenting.

Jeff,

"I wonder about the light piece on the stalk. I can't quite decide whether it helps or hinders".

Neither do I!

I must say, however, that it was brighter in the original and I had darkened it a bit...

Bulent,

You made excellent use of this technique.  The results are great.  I used a similar technique with this macro:  http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=10989575

Some images have their strength in the details, and you captured that very well here.  I like the B&W to emphasize the fine texture and form. 

Best Regards, Jerry

Terrific clarity of the delicate details, Bulent.  Beautifully composed.  Nice work!  ~~~~~L

The bit of light on the stems almost seems like an adam's apple with the leaves serving as a weird pair of lips.  Almost botanical ventriloquism.

Thank you for your comments: I am pleased to see this image has attracted your attention.

Jeff,
I can't help seeing this one just like you; after reading your comment: "Botanical ventriloquism"!!! A talkative plant, perhaps :)

I see what you mean.  They do seem intimate.

Elegant, Bulent, elegant.

This Lens!!

It inspired me to buy two Vivitar Series One lenses (28 and 135).  I looked and looked to see if I could find it again, but I never did until now.  You weren't one of the people that I thought of as weird-lens users.  Have you posted any other pictures taken with it?  I found "Young Vine."

I'm doing research on Vivitar Series One, and it would help me if I knew its serial number, and where the serial numbers are located on this model.  best, jamie

Thank you for your interest and comments.

I tend to use the Sigma 70mm more for macros mostly because it is easier to stabilize. However, I do like the Vivitar; it never fell short of my expectations.

The Serial No is 22404277 and it is written on the front part of the lens barrel; alongside the brand, model name, focal length and filter diameter (and "VMC"). It appears that these are all written on a ring shaped nameplate; allowing for easy re-branding. The "Vivitar Series 1" is also written on the wide rubber band around the lens body.

That's helpful.  The serial number never seems to be visible in the photos when these lenses are for sale.  Have you posted more pictures with it?  Is it Pentax K mount?  best, j