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!
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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!