Raindrops on Lilies #4 +rspns

Hi Mark,

This is a pretty cool image with lots of texture and color. It looks like you captured a few of the raindrops just before hitting the water's surface. ..................Jim

Mark, I recall this one or one very similar to it from this past year from you. I really liked the original post / idea, and find yourself imposed challenge a good thought for the upcoming seasons too. Your thoughts for changes sound very good and hope you might be able to work things out the way you've outlined in your comment.

My last photo to be posted here was a stitched image, and like you, it was a self imposed challenge having never done it before. I really liked the results I got on that take and plan to try a few in the future as well. It's much easier for me to use my MF camera and much cheaper to run then the LF for those type of "experiments". Although, I'm happy to say I have found a new outlet for my Velvia 50 in 4x5 needs going forward.

Additionally, I have to tell you that in one of your comments this year you'd mentioned the book "Death In Yellowstone". Although I'm not often a hour after hour reader I got the book as a request for Christmas and have been really buzzing through it. I had no idea how many folks through a pure accident, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and of course their own stupidity lost their lives so horrifically inside the park. Many thinking the wilderness is more like Disneyland then really wild I guess.
The resulting law suits and ignorance by certain judges and how they ruled in favor of plaintiffs was amazing. They obviously had never been out of down town big city in their lives and had no concept what or how their rulings impacted the real world. That in itself was flat scary, maybe more so then the actual sad events on trial so to speak.......

Fantastic textures and shapes and colors Mark, This is really unique and very interesting. I could see it on a wall and keep looking for a long time. Great shot. Happy New Year, and thanks for all you do for us here at NPN.

Certainly an idea worth pursuing, Mark. The amount of rainfall and its intensity will provide a different result each time. Plus, with the lens pointed down, you don't have to constantly keep wiping it!
I like this comp and it looks great here even at iso 6000.

I like the pattern and textures you've captured and the colors are great as well. Looking forward to your future efforts with this.

I'd say that your plan is coming off very nicely - wonderful composition with just the right amount of color!

Wonderful textures and patterns in this image. And the colorful lily pads add a lot. I'd say you met the challenge very well in this unique shot.

What a beautiful photo Mark! The raindrops splashes fascinate many photographers, me too. It was a stark rain, how did you managed it, with an umbrella? Bravo!

What a beautiful photo Mark! The raindrops splashes fascinate many photographers, me too. It was a stark rain, how did you managed it, with an umbrella? Bravo!
Happy New Year.

Neat self-challenge Mark.

I've been intrigued with rain-drop patterns too, but never crossed my mind to include something in the pond/water as an additional subject - and the colours from the lily pads, as well as the pooled water sitting on their surface, works nicely.

I've often wondered what impact (if any) using a polarizing filter would have on the reflections, but have never gotten around to trying it yet.

All the best for 2015 Mark. Cheers

Hi Mark Even the thumbnail looks great this is just mindboggling to see the various patterns of shapes made by the raindrops, and the skill involved to create this incredible image best wishes for the new year to all the members and to the you. Mark


Albert Darmo
Canada

I'm enthralled by what I call "ripples." This image is a great example of what surprises you can find in nature when you look more closely. I can't wait to see what else you find.

Have a great New Year Mark.

Happy New Year

Gigi: I protected the camera with a plastic bag held around the lens by a rubber band (very cheep, light and easy to find just about anywhere ). I protected myself with a raincoat. It was warm enough that I didn't mind getting my pants wet.

Karen: A polarizer can make a huge difference. (I posted some test results in the flora forum a couple of years ago.) In this case I didn't use one because I wanted lots of reflections (they let the ripples stand out) and needed all the light I could get.

Paul: I agree completely about the "Disneyization" of nature leading so many to assume that its benign and all animals are our friends....YIKES!

How the circular and interference patterns on the water augment the round lily pads is nice.

Mark, this image really stands out. I like how you captured the essence of a very special time in our natural world. By bringing it to our attention we cherish it more.

I like that some of the water has reflections and the rest has not. It makes for a dynamic composition.

I'm wondering if the composition can be improved by not having the same amount of space everywhere around the plants, that is equidistant from all sides of the frame. Perhaps you have already experimented with that and decided that this is best. But it's a bit static.