Pussy Willow

Early in May we had a beautiful sunny day that had us eager to visit

local Garden Centres to see what 'treats' we could find. I found a

Pussy Willow Tree that was in bud. It was a very small and delicate

tree but had a few buds on it. I wish I could have removed the stem

in behind but my efforts caused too much interference with the

little 'curlies' on the bud. Perhaps I will learn this year how to better

remove background objects. I enjoy a challenge so I may just try it

again on this image. I recall from my very early years as a child,

going for hikes by local creeks with my Parents. My Mom was always

eager to pick Pussy Willows so that she could make her Spring

Arrangement. Money was scarce back then but 'Nature' always

provided the means for us all to have something beautiful in our

homes that would remind us of the many blessings of that time of

year. (many thanks for your visits and shared thoughts, best always,

Gail)

I haven't seen pussy willows since I was a kid, and I think I saw them in winter???  I loved them!!!  I like this -- the seeds close up and the bud or leaf in the background.  I used to love touching them.  They are awesome!

hey Donna!! To this day I love Pussy Willows. Always found near creeks and streams in the Spring. I don't really get to those places as often but I think I still have a few sprigs my Mom gave me about 7 years ago! I actually had never seen the little seeds before I took this shot.  When I was young I thought they were amazing, they felt just like fur! Thanks so much for your thoughts shared.

but so different than one of mine.

new fav from you. j

Hi Gail,

  Wonderful creative work with beautiful details.  Take care, Patsy

Hey, Gail!

Uncle Mike taught you everything about lenses and F-numbers to be sued in macro or close up photography and I may tell you that you should never sharpen photos in PS! Not that I saw some traces of sharpening, it just occurred me when I saw the shallow depth of field and the sharpness on the top!

Cheers

PDE

A very soft and dreamy image.  The bud or leaf structure on the right looks like a Hummingbird ;-).  Well done... Mike

Gail,

Beautiful and looks very soft.

Best regards, Tina

Many thanks Tina for your visit...I will have to get back to you...thunderstorm starting here :(

I like the softness coupled with the delicate "curlies"  a great effect of the shallow dof.  The subtle colours are also a really attractive feature of this image. 

Best Regards  

Alf 

Agree with Alf, a delicate but beautiful shot.

Sincere thank for sharing those kind words about this image.

So lovely and tender. Great, dear Gail.

Many thanks for your kind comments.  The lonely man was a photographer with his tripod. 

Regards, Mari

This is pretty amazing. It's a special image and shows great control of DOF. Good work.

I have no idea why I did not think of a 'tripod'??? Makes so much sense now. Love that image!! Many thanks for your kind words of critique on this one.

I don't know why I did not see a hummingbird!! you are so right!! You saw what I had hoped for Mike.

thanks Alf for those words of Critique.  I really wanted to single out the 'curlies'. I have never seen them on a Pussy Willow before.

Lovely focus, detail and effect.

Hello Gail. I hope you are well. I really miss your postings, of which I have seen very few of late. However, that gave me a chance to leisurely cruise your posted images, certain to find something....special, characteristic, "trademarked" in your portfolios, so I chose this one to send you my greetings, perhaps for the sheer beauty and sensibility of this most delightful close up of the multiple and ever amazing, mind-boggling whims of Nature.

Best regards. DG.