Sunday, February 7, 2010

Macro Monday: Snowflakes

Today I decided to try my first attempt at capturing snowflakes. I had seen attempts by others in blogland and was awed at the results. After my own attempts I am in further awe by what I've seen. I don't know how many photos I took standing outside in the pouring snow in twenty degree weather trying to get what I wanted. This isn't it; so I'll keep trying. What I do like about this one is that it reminds me of an old piece of rhinestone jewelry.
For those inquiring minds that are wondering I haven't altered the color in any way. It came straight out of the camera in this black and white tone.
For more Macro Monday join Lisa here.

33 comments:

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Carletta -- I always feel like a broken record when I comment on your beautiful posts. I'm in awe and (have I said this before? yes.) if my best pictures come near the quality of the ones you aren't happy with, I will be ecstatic.

I know -- your practice and practice AND you are willing to stand outside in 20 degree weather. That plus your talented! Thanks for sharing.

Melli said...

Carletta that is AWESOME - what are you NOT happy with? Was this as they were falling? Or had they landed? What is the background? YOU are amazing!

Johnny Nutcase said...

It's an awesome photo! I'm curious too, what's the background? the photo is gorgeous!

Tammie Lee said...

I find it quite challenging to photography snow flakes! This photo is lovely and shows the exquisite beauty.

Perry said...

Those are very cool! We do not often get any snow here and when we do id is just a blob, nothing so defined and pretty like this. Great job!

Rose said...

I have been thinking of trying, but haven't attempted it so far. I think this is pretty good!

Charlene Amsden said...

Carletta -- I don't know what effect you're trying for or what kind of camera you're using, but if you can, try something counter intuitive and stand further away then zoom in with your long lens. I find I get a much wider plain of focus on small objects.

And, I think this photo is pretty spectacular for an amateur. You often impress me though so even though I am awed, I am not surprised.

kayerj said...

I am in awe!

Anonymous said...

You mean to tell me those are actual snowflakes? I would have thought not. I thought they were paper or something. My gosh, I've got a lot to learn about photography. These are just exquisite Carletta. You never ever cease to amaze me. Brilliant :)

Anonymous said...

Well done for a first attempt.

Gattina said...

Wow ! that's amazing ! I didn't know that snowflakes really look like I always see on drawings ! They could be a brooch ! Fantastic !

MaR said...

That's an amazing shot! and so beautiful and pure... wonderful!!

MacroMonday

RA said...

It might not exactly be what you want, but it looks beautiful. Have a wonderful week, Carletta :)

Colleen said...

I would love to be so lucky to get a shot like that. So far this year, most of our flakes don't look like this.
Beautiful shot!

Victoria said...

Spectacular and MAGICAL! Wonderful work Carletta!
Kiki~

Kim, USA said...

It come out great!


Macro-Dama de noche

Carolyn Ford said...

Those are so perfect! I would love to be able to do that...snow is the first issue here! They look like exquisite diamond jewelry!

Anonymous said...

Keep trying Carletta. I've never gotten that close and have never tried to photograph the crystals -- maybe I should. Your first attempt did yield some interesting shapes. Maybe photographing snowflakes on a piece of cold glass?

Jay said...

You did pretty well for a first attempt! That's a great picture!

It's funny how snow does that, isn't it? I took some pictures going over Independence Pass in late October last year (I think they closed it the same week) and they all turned out monochrome, despite being shot in colour.

Pure Fiction said...

This is an amazing image - never mind for a first attempt! This is the kind of picture that should be included in school science books - it brings to life the concept of a snowflake like words on a page just can't do.

Nessa said...

I think this is great. You got such wonderful detail.

Dark

The Cunning Runt said...

This is wonderful. I style myself as an amateur photographer with aspirations for something more, and I would be thrilled to capture this image.

SquirrelQueen said...

Beautifully done and I love it in monochrome. It is a hard subject to capture, I did the same thing in December but wasn't happy with any of mine.

Marites said...

oh gosh..it's beautiful. I really would love to have the chance to have this kind of photo. great capture!

Rambling Woods said...

and you did it beautifully Carletta. There is magic in them isn't there

James said...

Hi Carletta. What an amazing shot! We were both trying to capture snowflakes on the sameday. Your snowflakes are so detailed and beautiful and I captured mine actually falling to the ground. I wasn't happy with my results either. I wish that I could get a combonation of your detail with my action. I spent less than a minute on my attempt while in my doorway. I hope I'm not so lazy next time.

I posted my results here yesterday.

P.s. I would happy to even come close to the detail in your photo.

happily retired gal said...

Strange how picky we can be when it comes to our own efforts and generous when we respond to the work of others. I think your captures are awesome indeed!
Hugs and blessings,
Small Reflections

Kerri Farley said...

WOW - I think your snowflakes are AWESOME!!!!

Twisted Fencepost said...

WOW! No words. Just...WOW!

Moira said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Mary said...

wow...great job!

Raven said...

Wow! Amazing that you could get those flakes so distinct and clear. I'm impressed!

Craver Vii said...

Outstanding!! I've been trying these, myself. Nice job, catching these beauties.