Willow Catkins by helenhall

Willow Catkins

Whilst I was taking this picture, a couple of friends passed by on their walk and were trying to attract my attention for rather a long time I suspect, in wonder at how it could take so long to snap a picture of willow catkins.

There are so many considerations though, which section of catkins will look the best, where to put them in the frame, what aperture to use and does the exposure need adjusting. Is the background going to work, is it worthwhile taking at all . Having decided all that, there is the manual focusing to get right - and I am fairly new to giving that a go.

I am sure they must have walked off in total bemusement and amusement at what was taking so much concentration and time!
very pretty
March 11th, 2021  
Concentration and time that produced an excellent result. The focus is perfect, the blurred bokeh lovely, and exposure doesn’t need adjusting. Also, better to stay far from friends these days. Have you been vaccinated? My turn will be tomorrow. Stay well Helen
March 11th, 2021  
@caterina thank you! My first vaccination is also tomorrow. I work hard to keep my distance from everyone - friends or not. You stay well too.
March 11th, 2021  
And all of your decision-making paid off! Lovely details, background blur, color tones, composition...well worth your time. That said, I can totally relate to your description of considerations. I, too, can let much time slip by while concentrating on a shot; but I'm not complaining. I consider it pure joy!
March 11th, 2021  
I say this with a chuckle- if they were photographers, they would have completely understood. Nice shot!
March 12th, 2021  
lol, that is exactly what I think when shooting flowers... too funny!
March 12th, 2021  
Beautiful focus and details.
March 12th, 2021  
Lovely shot, great focus and nice tones
March 12th, 2021  
A beautiful shot with great DOF. I am always distracted by taking photos and oblivious to what is going on around me. :)
March 12th, 2021  
oh they look terrific, I like the detail
March 12th, 2021  
Your narrative is so true! There is so much to consider with any photo. Regular people, non-photo types just do not understand how much goes into producing a great shot. They only know what they like (and isn't that what art and photography is all about?)
March 12th, 2021  
It's a beautiful picture, and those take time. I love manual focusing, mostly, because my first camera always focused on the wrong places. You will be very quick with it very soon.

I had the same thoughts today when I stopped randomly on the street and took pictures of people's front gardens and other people went by. But then, a lady stopped and told me that it made her happy seeing someone doing something they love.
March 14th, 2021  
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