We have an ornamental cherry tree in our garden and the blossom at the moment is absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't resist the temptation to take a few shots with my new macro lens. I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon!

Tags:   Macro cherry blossom garden trees close-ups ornamental cherry tree

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Today my first-ever macro lens arrived. It's a Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG, used and in excellent condition. Naturally, I wanted to play with it. First of all I had to remember how my tripod worked. I haven't used it in the past 4/5 years as everything I've photographed has been hand-held. Then it was a case of borrowing Judy's roses and finding a spot indoors with nice natural light. Finally, I experimented with different settings on the camera - something I don't normally have to think about. I ended up junking a dozen of my first shots but finding three or four that I quite liked. This is one of them, where I wanted the vast majority of the bloom in focus. I'm on a steep learning curve. It'll be fun.

Tags:   Macros white rose flowers

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This viburnum started off life as a little stick in a pot over 20 years ago when my wife Judy gave it to her mother as a present. Then 10 years ago when her mother moved from Northamptonshire to Cornwall the viburnum was eased out of its spot in the garden and brought over to our cottage in Isham where it found a new home. It has seemed very happy in its present location where it is sheltered by a high fence. The shrub has bloomed in the past week or so and has the most wonderful scent. Judy asked me to take a picture, and this seemed to me to show its subtle colours best of all.

I took this with the standard 18-105 Nikon lens. It was right on the limit! A very decent macro lens is currently on order.

Tags:   Northamptonshire Isham viburnum shrubs flowers blooms macros HDR

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We were sitting in our garden having a coffee when I realised that the sun was providing some nice back-lighting on a tulip that was just a few feet away. Naturally, I had to go and get my camera.

Tags:   Northamptonshire macros close-ups flower tulip garden

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One of the many camellias that are in bloom in Trelissick Gardens, Cornwall. Overlooking the River Fal and the King Harry Ferry, the gardens belong to the National Trust.

Tags:   Cornwall Trelissick Gardens National Trust gardens

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