Simon HawkettsThings I’ve built, repaired, photographed and learned

Snowdrops and Daffodils

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By Simon Hawketts ·

Snowdrop - natural light
Snowdrop - natural light
Snowdrop - natural light
Snowdrop - natural light
Snowdrop
Snowdrop
Snowdrop
Snowdrop
Daffodil with rain
Daffodil
Daffodil
Daffodil
Daffodil
Daffodil
Daffodil
Daffodil
Daffodil

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

Comments (10)

  1. Jackie
    These are lovely captures!
  2. John
    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...

    Comments (2)

    1. Simon Hawketts
      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 !
    2. Simon Hawketts
      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
  3. mustangjoe
    Very nice Simon. The snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring is on its way.

    Comments (1)

    1. Simon Hawketts
      thank you - I certainly hope we get a spring / summer this year!
  4. kilted1
    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)

    Comments (1)

    1. Simon Hawketts
      Thank you