Getting a little bit closer

Hey all!

After getting back into blogging mode, I received a comment from Hive account@stresskiller on one of my blogs about my travels through Charleston. Of course, I had to check out who this was, as I always do. I appreciate those who engage with me on the Hive blockchain. Most of his blog posts are about incredible (and sharp) macro photography, which instantly reminds me of how much fun it is to shoot macro photography. It was the reason why I bought a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 lens back in the day, but started to use that lens as a secondary for portraits instead. His post about the difference between Close-ups and Macro photography got me enthusiastic.

I used to manually revert my 50mm on my DSLR, or attach my 70-300 Tamron lens with a reversed 50mm (or the other way around, I can't remember). This was such a hassle, since getting things in focus is just a thin line. A very thin line. So, after reading that post, I didn't have to think twice, and instantly bought a reverse ring for my 50mm to try it out. I already have two flashlights that can trigger each other and have enough studio lights to do some macro photography. Or... should I say, super close-ups? I have a Full-Frame camera, which makes these photographs more or less, close-ups.

So, before I get sidetracked, I'll be sharing photographs I took right after receiving and opening up the package where this magical, stress-free reverse ring was waiting for me. The weather was perfect to take photographs of my mom's garden back in Aadorp. A little bit cloudy, yet a striking Sun that made it possible to shoot in gentler ISO's.

Since I'm using a Metabones converter for my Sony camera to be able to work with my Canon lenses, the lens automatically locks itself in f/22. There is a workaround for this, that costs a bit of time afterward if used more often. I have to turn on my camera, attach my lens, and then remove it while the camera is still powered. This prevents the lens from autolocking as it reminds its current setting (for example, f/1.4). However, powering your camera and exposing it to Sunlight isn't a good idea. Not persé because of the Sunlight, but also because electricity attracts dust particles. And we all know... dust is bad for sensors! I already know that I have a lot of cleaning to do in both my photographs and my sensor. While cleaning my sensor takes not that much time, editing these photographs can be quite time-consuming.

Let's get some shots done 😎

_{© Ruben Cress | 2022}

That's a nice close-up right? Well, this is the uncropped version. Check out the 100% version, which is still displayed on a 2K resolution (2048x1365) image.

_{© Ruben Cress | 2022}

Before going into the jacuzzi to cool us off, I had some more fun in the garden and tried to capture more close-ups, or are these photographs considered to be macro Hive account@stresskiller? I mean, technically they are macro but compared to Stresskillers' macro shots, these are just close-ups. Check out his blog, he includes super macro photographs in most of his posts.

_{© Ruben Cress | 2022}

Here is one of a spider, working on his new temporary home to eat all the mosquitos, oh yeah! Need a hand buddy? This was a tiny spider that I didn't even notice. It caught my eye because he was moving down from his string. What a weaver.

_{© Ruben Cress | 2022}

You got to stay hydrated! These drops are from an abandoned water bottle that was on the table outside. Due to the warm weather, it developed droplets inside the bottle. That must've been pretty humid! These droplets aren't on the outside of the bottle but the inside. Otherwise, they probably would be a lot sharper! Also, the Depth of Field was just insane, the neck of the bottle was curvy, focus on that and reverse it with a 50mm! Looks great!

_{© Ruben Cress | 2022}

I love these shots. The green tone, combined with the super small dewdrops on the edges of the strain looks nice. The second one with the fire orange tone is both very vibrant, yet so soft due to the Depth of Field. The dry high grass makes you wonder in what part of Africa you might be roaming. Warning, there might be lions near.

_{© Ruben Cress | 2022}

Another shot that I took was of some leaves that grow on the Red Japanese Maple tree. It's Summer for sure, but looking at this photograph takes me straight to Autumn!

While playing around with my aperture, I thought about creating some abstract footage that I for sure can use in future artwork. These abstract photographs really set a mood.

And, of course, I had to take a photograph of Hive account@lackofcolor her beautiful blue eye. And she took one of mine. She's a real pro! The photograph is supersharp where it has to be sharp. If you ever tried iris photography yourself (handheld), you know how challenging it can be to get everything in focus. Ha, the last time when I took macro shots of an eye... I was half drunk at my own party and had the idea to photograph an iris. Of course, my victim was drunk as well. With much pain and dried-out eyes, we managed to take some sharp photographs of our irises including red veins across them due to all the booze. Interesting? Yes. Useful? Lol.

When is the last time you took pictures in your backyard?

I can't remember when I had so much fun taking photographs in "my backyard". It has certainly been a while since I was practicing and explored my own backyard. Probably 17 years ago? I'm getting older! Hooray for living life. Thanks, Hive account@stresskiller for kinda hyping me up (indirectly, with your super macro shots) into buying (finally) a reverse ring for my 50mm.

Oh, and let me know which one is your favorite photograph. I can't choose a thumbnail :D

Cheers,
Ruben