The Days Of Summer - (enlarge)

I have come back to this image many times. I had changed lenses

and had not reset my F/Stop. The original image is very dark and

dull. I think if I had remembered to change the F/Stop to F/2.8 the

image would have been brighter, and I have since learned that ISO

should be at least 200. I have been setting my ISO to at least 200

lately and I have seen a difference. But I still enjoyed the shape of

the flower, it's interesting middle and just the way the petals

appeared. I also liked the blur of the background flowers on the right.

I have entered this one under Digital Alterations as I had to do some

changes to the image. It is not a perfect image, but it makes me feel

cheerful. I am going to miss Summer, but Fall always has many

rewarding Photo Opportunities. (Digital Alterations-comments

welcome always, Gail)

Hi Gail,

You have produced a beautiful image using the Canon 100 mm F/2.8 macro at F/4.

Recall, that I told you that your lens does perform very well at F/2.8 to F/5.6, so F/4 being in the middle range does not compromise the image much at all.

Often, it is the point of focus or hand motion that reduces the clarity level more so at close range to the subject.

At 1/250 second, it appears that you have a clear capture.

Using F/2.8 would have yielded a 1/500 second exposure which is  assures even better captures because of any motion of the bee or plant (if a breeze comes up) that is amplified at closer working distances.

ISO 200, which is a better starting point for most digital cameras that I have tested in my lab, would have provided 1/1000 second exposure when shot wide open. At this point, many natural motions in the subject would be stopped (short of a higher wind).

For this image, you had excellent illumination available, too.

Warmest Regards, Mike

A really beautiful result with very nice colors and details, Gail!

Hi Gail,

A very beautiful flower with great colors, nice composition!

Best regards, Tina

Hi Gail, As always Mike has explained very well all the technical aspects pertaining to this delightful image. He is the man when it comes to tech stuff, not to mention a darn good photographer, but whats important to me about this image is that it makes you happy and with all the stuff going on in our lives, well what can I say, keep shooting.

Warmest Regards,

Holger

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful capture with wonderful colors, details & background.  I pray that your son is doing better.  Take care, Patsy

Gail, this image gives me a warm fuzzy feeling!

Warm and Fuzzy works for me!!! Thanks so much for dropping by Alfredo, I always enjoy smiling!!!

sincere regards, Gail

Thank you Mike for that reminder!!! I think when I first saw how dark and dull the image was, then checked my Exif Data, I realized that I had not changed my F Stop from using the previous lens. That particular day I was trying a few just to see what I could achieve. I have since been much more careful. Your comments are an excellent reminder for this 'foggy' brain. I do appreciate your detail as to what I would have achieved had I used other settings.

That is something that I should be able to figure out for myself. Something I can 'study' when on a LONG DRIVE ;-)

talk soon, Gail

I've come to the conclusion that the "perfect image" does not exist, it's all so very subjective. But there are images that have a widespread  "feel good" factor and this is one of them! Such bright cheerful colours and fine details to admire.

Sincere Compliments! 

Alf 

Actually I don't even know why I said that, because really, everyone's 'perfection' is personally defined when I really ponder it. I am glad to hear you enjoyed this image Alf, many thanks for dropping by.

;-) Gail

Love the clarity of the bee and your yellow.  Yellow gives me such a fit.

Thank you Wayne, if an image I post gives you a 'lift' then that makes me smile.

Sincere thanks for your visit, Gail

Sincere thanks to you both for your very positive words of critique. You both are always so supportive and encouraging.

Warmest regards, Gail

Hi Patsy,

Thanks so much for your support and always encouraging words of critique. Good news, Jen called about 15 min. ago and Jesse's foot is looking much better, they are sending IV meds for 5 days for a Nurse to come and administer, he is to see the Infectious Disease Dr. Friday or Monday and it sounds like he will be on oral Antibiotics for a couple of weeks. Jen said he got home and no sooner 'hit' his own bed and slept for a few hours. I think we all have that same reaction when we get home. It is so good to be where we feel 'cozy'.

Sincere thanks for both your visit and for your concern for Jesse, I do appreciate it so much. ;-) Gail

Yes, you are right about Mike. It is so great that someone is 'concerned' about the quality of images I take. I also agree that Photography is so often serve as a 'balm'. It engages our minds and for awhile, transports us far from our worries.

I am so thankful that my Dad encouraged me to take up Photography. He just dropped by tonite with a Nex 3n for me to play with for a few days. It is brand new, but my Dad is one of those fellows who is in the right place a the right time. He managed to wrangle a great deal on it. He will resell it and put his profit towards a new lens he is really wanting to pick up. I am so fortunate to still have him in my life.

Thank you dear Holger for your kind support and good thoughts,

most sincerely, Gail

Hi Gail, I love the composition here, the bee all the way to the left works perfect for me. Also, the colors or this image are fantastic and blend all together with the background. Beautiful image and technical  well obtained as Mike has taught us to do!!!! :)

Warmest regards,

LuDa

Striking yellow and excellent details on that bee wings!

Hello Luisa,

I am so pleased you enjoyed this composition. Yes, we are striving to make better images, with the help of a dedicated man who gives of his time and wide knowledge base to answer our MANY questions. I often wonder how he has the patience. But he does and I imagine his students in years past must have learned very much in Mike's classes. This image is full of 'light' and actually reminds me of you! You are like that busy little bee, stopping and taking  the time to cheer me up when I am worried or confused about this life we strive to be part of. Sending me little and sometimes long, messages to cheer me on and keep me looking at the PRIZE. Thank you my friend, I don't know where you are tonight, but I pray you have safe travels as you roam across the States with your dear husband.

Thank you for spreading a bit of your sunshine on my 'page'!!! 

talk soon, Gail

sincere thanks for dropping by and sharing how you felt about this image. Truly appreciate your support! ;-) Gail

Hi Gail,   I agree with Holger and Alf.  How the image and others positively impact your feelings is of utmost importance.  I'm not big on dwelling on the technical sutff.  I like the relationship beteen the yellows and organges in the flower and background.  The positioning of the bee to the left adds to the appeal as well.  Hope your son is continuing to do better.  Happy fall.  Larry

As I think simple things can have a strong impact on us and when delight us this is so good,very nice colors.

Gail! photography and art is subjective, its  what to show,or need technical perfect. I shoose your precentatie "very nice colors -lighting and compsition. best regards janegbert

Ciao Gail, compliments for this new...little-big natural masterpiece! Ciao, Maurizio.