Hubby and I just returned from our trip to frigid Florida, but even with the cold temps we had a good time. One of our adventures included visiting Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg where I took these pictures. I sure wish I had a real macro lens!
In addition to lots of wonderful plants, Sunken Gardens has almost 100 different varieties of crotons (Codiaeum variegatum). Here are just a few. My pictures don’t do them justice. They are absolutely beautiful!
Check all of the other Macro Monday posts at Lisa’s Chaos.
We have a few variety of croton here too, and I just love looking at the combination of colors. So beautiful.
Very pretty!
Crotons are wonderful, aren’t they? I had some once, as houseplants.
I love the nearly black one with red spots. That’s a real beauty!
The reason the colours didn’t come out as vivid as in life is because of the flash bounce – it’s hard to avoid at close quarters with reflective subjects. You can minimise it by focussing, then holding the shutter halfway in, recompose so that your subject isn’t dead centre. Takes a little practice and it isn’t always successful, but it’s worth a try.
Jay, it was so overcast (and cold) that day so when I turned off the flash, many of those were either out of focus or real dark. I did try doing that but I need more practice. Thanks for your tip and love your blog challenges! Toby and Jama, Thanks for stopping by.
Love the last picture, cool dots
Yes crotons do have wonderful leaves and you display them so beautifully!
I love it when a plant is known for it’s beautiful leaves. They are so interesting.
Nice photos under challenging conditions! Like you, I need a macro lens too.
Leaves make marvelous images. If you can manage, turn off your flash for much better colors. Hand holding might be tricky though. The best way is to use a tripod, but you can’t always lug one around.
John, Some of the ones I took without the flash didn’t turn out since it was so dark and dreary, but I will try to use the tripod next time.
Lovely – I love the colourful patterns!
Gena @ thinking aloud
Hi There, what John said is absolutely true! That butterfly shot I took was without a macro lens (a lot can be accomplished without a dedicated lens) but a tripod is a necessity bar none! also if you cannot get along without the flash try putting a tissue over the flash bar to soften the flash because it bounces off the waxy leaves. Your subjects are great and you’re almost there, I enjoyed your post very much!
Such great color.
Lovin’ Macro Monday,
Cameo @–>–>—
Simply gorgeous color!