Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there. Although it has been many years since my mom passed away, I still miss her on this day. I guees that feeling never goes away. Thinking she would have enjoyed this shot of a prickly pear in bloom that I captured last week at Lake Bastrop. But she always did like my photography, especially since I didn't cut off heads in shots like she had a tendency to do. :-)
Took this handheld macro in a strong breeze while on a photowalk Friday night. I was pretty surprised with the amount of detail I was able to capture in the shot given the conditions. One of the more challenging macro shots I've attempted that came out as well. I had to use a fairly low f/stop due to the fading light conditions, combined with my desire to use a low ISO to reduce noise in the shot. This resulted in softened petals, but I really like the effect and the softness it provides to the shot.
My wife noticed this flower as we were walking around the lake behind the Cedar Park Rec Center Sunday evening. As she helped hold some other plants (weeds) out of the way I was able to get into position to grab this shot. Beautiful but prickly. Best to look, not touch.
