Snowdrops and Daffodils
I saw some snowdrops growing in a local patch of grassland a few days ago and took a quick snap on my mobile phone, but resolved to go back another day with my ‘real’ camera.
Well, this morning James & I went back and I took some more pictures & used the opportunity to try out the Metz 58 af2 flash gun I got at Christmas as a fill in flash. I have not used a flash much before, and never as a daylight fill in so this was in many ways an experiment.
It’s been raining over the last few days, so I had to use my coat as protection as I got down to get close to the flowers, but the rain has added a nice dimension to the pictures providing a little added interest. Most of these pictures are taken with the flash on, a few are hand held in natural light. I think I might do a bit of fill-in flash research and go back again because I’m not completely pleased with the results.
All these shots were taken in RAW and processed using Lightroom 4
- Pentax K-5
- Tamron 90mm f/2.8
- Metz 58 af2 Flash
These are lovely captures!
I was wondering if you’d go back… they’ve very nice! We’re still making our way into spring here, so not much in the way of flower activity yet… soon though! I can’t wait!
I’ve not done much with flash photography either… I still need to get one. I can’t decide whether I want an all purpose flash, or a lens ring flash, since I like to do lots of closeup/macro stuff…
Yes I considered a ring flash but the Metz 58 af2 was quite reasonable and allows a lot of other shots as well as macro. I’ve been quite impressed with it so far – just need to learn how to use it out of auto mode !
There is that.. the ring flash is not as ‘all purpose’…
I think I’ve discovered to trying to figure out how to use something out of ‘auto mode’ is one of life’s toughest challenges. It’s almost like they just want you to use everything on auto. 🙂
I know and the thing is Auto mode does so much these days. I normally shot in Aperture priority and in that mode the flash calculates just about everything. It’s very impressive !
Thank you for saying – however I think there are some white balance issues with the natural light photos – the snowdrops don’t seem quite white. I’ll correct those later
Very nice Simon. The snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring is on its way.
thank you – I certainly hope we get a spring / summer this year!
Our snow drops and daffodils haven’t made it through the ice and snow yet:0) At least I can look at your shots while I wait :o)
Thank you