Just before a huge snowstorm hit us yesterday, I was able to spend some time in my yard trying to exercise my seeing. Like any other exercise, ‘seeing’ photographs requires poking those brain cells to keep them active. I haven’t spent much time photographing since the end of October last year. In fact, the last import into my Lightroom catalog is dated 10-31-2019. I could almost feel the atrophy.
After a bit of wandering around trying to think of something to photograph, the idea of ‘intersections’ came to mind – the graphical shapes that can be found from fallen leaves. It gave me a “project” to set my mind to. So I set out, hunting the theme of ‘intersections.’ These are my first photographs of the new decade, and the year 2020.
Nikon lens – Fuji camera
On a technical note, this is the first time I have ever combined my Fuji XT-2 camera (release date 2016) with my Nikkor 200mm (release date 1993) macro lens. This is possible through the use of a Nikon to Fuji mount adapter. I have put off buying a dedicated Fuji macro lens because I already invested in Nikon. The adapter only cost $30!
The only thing I didn’t like about this setup was the aperture setting was a bit of a mystery. The adapter has aperture control (but only clicks, no numbers), and the lens has one also – but no electronic communication to the camera. So even if the lens is set wide open, it is a guess at what the adapter is stopping down to because there are no numbers. So I basically fiddled with the dials until I had enough depth of field, despite not knowing what the actual f-stop number was. I guess I shouldn’t expect much for what I paid. I guess I have some homework to do with this combination for any intricate DOF work.
Why did I use a Fuji camera body instead of a Nikon? Heh, good question. First, I guess I like the ergonomics of macro work on the Fuji better than my Nikon. Second, I wanted to try the combination out. Whether that advantage outweighs this aperture issue remains to be seen.
Featured image at top: ‘intersections.one’ – all images from my backyard, Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, © Mark Graf, 2020 Leaf pattern wall art available in my gallery.
I find the overlapping of the leaves very effective in creating the compositions here. The colors are pretty spectacular, too. Your willingness to fiddle with the lens settings is quite impressive.
Thanks Linda. I am often surprised at the colors that come through just through subtle tweaks in contrast.
The combination of shapes and lines in the first one is wonderful. I’ll have to try Henry’s the next time I’m in the Bay Area.
Thanks for pointing out the Fuji/NIkon connection. I have both but never considered marrying the two. The images are beautiful and makes me think about digging out my macro lens again.
Worth a try Joe!
Oh, I do like these. These images take me back. I have always found the intricate vein patterns of leaves to be pure fuel for the imagination. As a kid I used to be fascinated by old maps of cities visualised from some distance. I used to draw my own until I got a camera and took my first photo of a leaf (I didn’t have a macro lens back then but I did have a rather large magnifying glass). For me it was like discovering new cities from ancient times or from mysterious planets. Like I said, they really fuelled my imagination.
Of course, your photos are much nicer and clearer than mine ever were. I dare say, had I had your skills and a macro lens back then, I may have lost myself forever inside those imagined cities 🙂
I do see many similarities to maps and city layouts. Perhaps an indication we are all just microbial life forms executing a pre-programmed behavior at different scales?
Yep, the brain cells are still functioning. You didn’t mention how the finger worked with the shutter release button. Love the first image the best.
Thanks Monte! 🙂
Oh, yeah, coffee is a must for me too. It’s funny because my daughter and I were just trying to capture this theme with our paintbrushes. It is surprisingly hard to do well. I really like what you have done with it.
Lol! It seems to be a must for a lot of people!
I can only imagine the difficulty of trying to paint something like these, especially with all the intricate details. I hope you accomplish what you are going for!
Mark, I agree with Howard, a wonderful group of images and a good start for a new year. Those aperture challenges, in this case, seemed to have been conquered.
Thanks Earl – though for sure not conquered – just enough to give that illusion for now. 🙂 For relatively flat subject matter, it doesn’t take rocket science as they say.
Apparently those brain cells didn’t need all that much poking. These are wonderful. I like the idea of the project pulling it all together.
I appreciate the support Howard. I think it helps if you have a certain theme in mind, like the many successes you have had. Plus, I had lots of coffee. 🙂
Lol coffee. That helps a lot. I’m a coffee guy too! By the way if you like dark roast try Henry’s House Of Coffee from San Francisco. It’s my new favorite. No relationship just really like the stuff.
Where do you buy it from Howard? I am willing to try it.
https://henryshouseofcoffee.com/
The Sumatra dark is my personal favorite!