Macro Focus Mode

I thought that I would share some photos I took recently using the Macro Focus Mode on the Leica D-Lux 4. For those of you that may not be familiar with the three focus settings available on this camera they are. Auto Focus used most of the time, Manual Focus used for difficult focusing situations and Macro Focus for close up images.
The picture to the right is that of a rose with water drops and as you can see the water is clear as are the other details on the flower. Click on the image to see a larger version.
I'm embedding a short video of shots that I took and more detailed photos below showing not only traditional macro but also some unusual shoots of statues.

For larger picture see below:

Water on Leaf excellent detail and colors.

Statue taken at about 5 feet shows good detail.

Rose with water drops and highlighted by the pavers in the background.

Lovely color taken F2.o at 18 inches.

Leaf, rocks and moss show enhanced detail after processing with Topaz Labs filter.

Framing

Framing what is it and how can I use it? I think of it as a element that adds definition and focus to your photograph. The example below is of a landscape I took recently and I used the metal fence to pull your eye into the picture.

In the next picture I used the tree and the branches to draw ones attention to the pasture and scenery beyond. Note the darkness of the tree and its branches in the foreground highlight the colors in the picture.

In the picture of the leaf and it's shadow the leaf is framed by the line in the concrete and the change of texture and color in the background. The shadow cast by the leaf adds interest and depth to the picture.

Special Find

Just another lovely day in the valley and while taking the dogs for their daily walk what did I see? I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw this lovely 1967 Ford Shelby Cobra sitting out for all to see. No not a replica but the real thing with California Historic plates and all.
I was glad to reach into my shorts pocket and pull out my camera and took a few quick shots. The sun was really bright and the car was sparkling making for less then ideal conditions to get really great pictures. I think these turned out well and I hope you enjoy looking at them.




If you would like to see the picture full size just click here!

No it is not a Leica

But considering that the other camera I love to use is my Nikon D300 I just had to share this video produced with the just announced Nikon D3s. It shoots video and still images in near total darkness. The first portion of the video demonstrates these capabilities and wow it is impressive. Check it out for yourself ! I suggest clicking on the full screen mode and just sitting back and enjoying this short demo .


Low light specifications capable of delivering low-noise 12,800 ISO still shooting at up to 9-fps, with 24-fps cinema-quality HD video. The price well it is $5,200.00 U.S. for the body only.

Lets play

This week I thought I might have a little fun with some images I took recently. I have been experimenting with Topaz filters a plug-in that works in Adobe Photo Shop and Adobe Photo Shop Elements. The idea was to see if they really could make my pictures pop.

I really had fun with this picture of my grandson who was getting ready to watch a Barney video. By using the filters adjust, simplify 2 and detail the picture really jumps out at you.

Early morning sky enhanced with the adjust filter to bring out the pink from the sun just coming up over the horizon.

Nothing goes to waste, what is left of a fallen deer in the Windy Hill Preserve. Picture was adjusted with the detail filter.

Looking down at the creek adjusted with detail filter.

Just for laughs a hose growing out of the trunk of a tree.

Like Your Eye

I found this short video on why Leica range finder cameras have such a strong following by artistic photographers. The M-8 is featured in this video and the full frame M-9 hopefully will be available soon.