With the weather not looking very promising for landscape photography and most of the heather being way beyond looking best, I took the macro set and went to look for Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale, Herfsttijloos). Like last year, I found them just two days after heavy weather, so most of the flowers were in relatively bad shape. No use in portraying a single flower, so I mounted the extension tubes and extender and went to look for close-ups. It was not before long that I found this dewdrop on a grass stem, just above a Saffron. By getting close enough, I got this abstract, simplified look with contrasting colors.
My photo session did not last long. It seems we are currently experiencing a true mosquito plague. Not surprising after a humid summer, but the sheer number of annoying mozzies I came across during the last two sunrise shoots exceeds my worst nightmares. And not only are there so many, they seem to be of an aggressive kind too. They bit me on spots no mosquito dared to go before: the bridge of the nose, my hairy head, right through my outdoor trousers, in the ear, just everywhere. And every step I took in the wet grass released yet another buzzing army. After an hour or so, I had turned into a raindance state of madness and literally fled home. I cannot wait for the first overnight frost and the resulting ‘mozziecide’, as only then will the local reserves see me back. Until then, I’ll probably opt for high contrast black and white images, taken during midday.
To make matters worse, my (apparently not so) trusty Gitzo tripod broke one of its legs after some 5 years of great service. Fortunately, Gitzo have standardized the diameter of its tripod legs, which means old models like mine can always be serviced. Only nit is that it will take 5 weeks for a new leg to arrive. Until then, I’ll have to make do with my old Manfrotto with the finger-eating cliplocks. Ouch.
Meadow Saffron reflected in dewdrop; Canon 5D mark II w. 150/2.8 macro, extension tube and EF 1.4x; 1/30s at F5.6 and ISO800; tripod.
