The First Breath of Spring by alophoto

The First Breath of Spring

Shooting these first pretty buds in the trees has become a spring tradition of mine. For the past 3 years, I have shot them on or around the same day in early April. http://365project.org/amandal/365-year-2/2013-04-09 and http://365project.org/amandal/365-year-2/2014-04-09 This marks the 3rd year we have been in OH.

The lovely blossom is from the Royal Star Magnolia and is the first tree to burst into bloom here in my part of OH. The creamy blossoms are so big and puffy and cloud-like. Like a wonderful spring dream.

Spring is slowly taking off here and I suspect everything will be in bloom in the next few weeks. Next to fall, it's my other favorite time of year.

I love looking down into the woods and seeing the green slowly creeping into the sticks. We are coming to life again.

Still working on figuring out my 35mm lens, exposure and focus. I love what it does, but sometimes getting it to do what I want still takes some coaxing.
An instant fav for me. The focus is fabulous (the flower looks 3D) but it's that gorgeous, soft background that really makes this so beautiful.
April 9th, 2015  
This is beautiful, Amanda.
April 9th, 2015  
@linnypinny Thanks so much. The 35 mm does really dreamify things.
April 9th, 2015  
fav Amanda
April 9th, 2015  
How gorgeous! I like how the flower seems to be offering itself for a sniff, a closer look, which you've done so nicely with your camera. (The closer look, not the sniffing.)
April 9th, 2015  
So elegant and beautiful. FAV
April 9th, 2015  
A wonderful shot.
April 9th, 2015  
The longer I look at this, the more I love it..... FAV
April 9th, 2015  
Just beautiful! Does it smell as good as it looks?
April 9th, 2015  
Beautiful
April 9th, 2015  
@lynnz You are sweet. Thanks so much for the kind comments and faves on both. This one didn't take, though. If you are so inclined, would you kindly push the button here again:).
April 9th, 2015  
This is exquisite Amanda!! Love the beauty, the focus, the light, the water drops! A BIG fav for me!
April 9th, 2015  
Lovely capture, droplets, focus, dof
April 9th, 2015  
Gorgeous! Wonderful focus and dof.
April 9th, 2015  
@amandal Thanks Amanda, hate it when I do that!
April 9th, 2015  
I love the dof!
April 9th, 2015  
@lynnz I do it, too. Sorry to mention it. Lameness on my part;-). And thank you!!!
April 9th, 2015  
Beautiful White on White!!
April 9th, 2015  
Beautiful. Fav!! 😃
April 9th, 2015  
So beautiful!
April 9th, 2015  
This is an exceptionally beautiful shot!
April 9th, 2015  
Gorgeous shot!
April 9th, 2015  
Fabulous creative capture of this beauty accentuating its soft dreamy feel. FAV! So glad spring has make its presence in Ohio.
April 9th, 2015  
wonderful picture.... so pleasing to the eyes .. fav
April 9th, 2015  
Very delicate, lovely.
April 9th, 2015  
Very ethereal. Well done!!
April 9th, 2015  
Pea
Stunning!
April 9th, 2015  
Very pretty...........loving the white on white...so glad to see winter disappearing
April 9th, 2015  
Fav. Lovely white flower with water droplets!
April 9th, 2015  
This is really beautiful - fav
April 9th, 2015  
This turned out beautiful . Lovely white
April 9th, 2015  
This is such a beautiful shot, Amanda. Looks like you are doing great with your new lens. Love the water droplet and this amazing flower. Everything has bloomed here and green leaves are on the trees. Enjoy this time of there year there. FAV
April 9th, 2015  
beautiful capture. what are you trying to get the lens to do?
April 9th, 2015  
Pretty bloom and lovely detail.
April 10th, 2015  
@bill_fe Take the photo! I use autofocus and have trouble getting it to frickin' lock it in. Maybe it's that it is a prime lens and I am used to zooming? I dono. But it is a challenge.
April 10th, 2015  
really beautiful shot, I love the simplicity
April 10th, 2015  
@amandal Try using one of the single focus points instead of the multi points, and AF-A See page 42-45 of your manual.
I'm guessing you are very close to the subject, and a slight breeze will make it move and change focus.
April 10th, 2015  
When I did my macro shot of the poppy seed, my camera was on a tripod, but if I leaned closer to the camera, the little change in the carpet indent would change the focus, but I was extremely close, like less than 1/4 inch from the subject.
April 10th, 2015  
@bill_fe I was using a single focus point. I'll check out AF-A and pg 42-25. Thanks!
April 10th, 2015  
So pretty - great white on white
April 10th, 2015  
Love the subtle colors and focus!
April 11th, 2015  
Wow what a great shot Amanda! a fav.
April 11th, 2015  
Pam
Glorious light!! Love this!
April 11th, 2015  
FAVulous:)
April 12th, 2015  
So pretty.
April 12th, 2015  
Love this. Elegant and pretty.
April 13th, 2015  
so pretty and dreamy
April 13th, 2015  
Lovely bud, such luscious bokeh....really enjoying your flower shots!
April 17th, 2015  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.