Been a while...

[Bobobird]

Camera gathering dust for close to a month and prepping for my usual Spring trip took up what little spare time I had.

Now in HK and of course first thing was to go shoot something - anything!

Did not realise how much a simple month can throw off fundamental photography skills. Was fumbling like crazy for the first half hour or so until I settled back into the usual routine (somewhat).

Compared to home the heat needed getting a bit used to too. Was totally drenched within an hour.

Here are some shots - nothing spectacular though.

Comments/suggestions always welcomed and appreciated.

1. Dragonfly. Not ideal with the wings but he just refused to stretch them out.


2. No dragon is complete without a damsel.


3.


4.

[Brownbear]

As always, lovely photos.. I especially love number 2 & 3, and number 2 more than the first one because the bokeh is nicer and the sharpness or focus on the eyes?

[Donald]

I'm one of those who think that a colour image should really have colour as one of the main elements of the picture; i.e. not just happen to be there as an incidental feature.

Boy, is this one about colour! Wonderful.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Christina. I was sitting on a narrow, narrow plank with the pond on both sides trying to get a nice shot of #1 and this damsel just flitted past. Turned precariously to grab just that shot and he was off again.

Thanks Donald. Those azaleas are just starting to bloom and do look dang pretty. I could not find a composition that "worked" but will try again soon.

Note : #1 has been switched. Did not quite like how dark it came out.

[rudi]

Hi Bobo,

lovely pictures. Nr 3 is kinda 'special'. I like it. Maybe a tighter crop ?
Nr 4 has striking colours. Hard to photograph, I find. And to be picky, I think it is a Bougainvillea!!
Kind regards, Rudi

[Bobobird]

Thanks Rudi.

Appreciate the species correction. But around these parts everyone calls them azaleas. Now I am confused.

Regarding the crop - please suggest something. I am having a mental block.

[rudi]

Thanks Rudi.

Regarding the crop - please suggest something. I am having a mental block.

My suggestion conc the crop:

I also toned down the brighter spots just a little bit. I would also love to see a little bit more off the inner core.
But this is just me.

Conc pict 4: Composition wise, I would try to isolate one stem with flower(s), and going for a diagonal composition. This usually works for me. This will not show you the overall beauty off the whole shrub off course.
Kind regards, Rudi

[Bobobird]

Thanks Rudi, appreciate the crop suggestion. Yes, it does look stronger now. Will re-edit source accordingly.

I was going more for the texture on the outer bit so did not grab a partial or full frontal. I will try those next time.

About 4 that is what I had initially set out to do but nothing caught my eye. Will see what turns up in other places. Rain is expected for most of the week so that might provide some interesting effects.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Good to be back on the forums and seeing people's pics. This was a good one to get started on. #1 is stunning and by far my favorite.

[Otavio]

Hello, Bobo. Welcome back. Very nice series. #2 and 3 are stronger, for me. Thanks for sharing.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Matt, Otavio for taking the time to view these.