Flower Shots

[Al]

Sorry for dominating the board . . . however I must say I really like my new G9.  The G6 is sweet but the image stabilization of the G9 is money in the bank, both close up and zooming in.  I wouldn't trade the 12 megapixals for less but it's got its limitations and, used on auto under low lighting, a "lesser" camera will take better pictures if one is just snapping shots.

A significant problem with the G9 at higher ISOs, is high noise levels which according to what I read is a result of trying so squeeze so many megapixals through that size sensor. This problem can be solved but not on auto.   You have to take control of the camera which the g9 is designed to do . . . but you have to read the book. OH No!

You have to spend time studying the book and practicing if you want to even touch upon the features of this camera. It does point and shot but if that's all you want to do don't waste the money, unless it is burning a hole in your pocket.  Buy the 650IS and spend part of the left over money on a 133X 4 GB memory card and enjoy!

One feature I used tonight was to reduce the resolution of the camera below large/superfine (<12 MP) in order to use the digital zoom without degrading picture quality.  I have never used digital zoom before because with most cameras it makes no sense. Software will do the same thing.

However with the G9, it does if you reduce the resolution (to something we would have loved to have just a few years ago) it seems to pay off because of the image stabilization.  If you use extend digital zoom such that it degrades picture quality the zoom indicator turns blue.  Just back off until there is no blue.

Still playing with it but it appears to be pretty cool and almost . . . Aggie proof! 

Al

P.S. The 650IS could have taken any of the shots posted tonight with a significant savings in capitol investment.  Have yet to scratch the surface on the G9.

[homerboy2u]

Well at least you can nag your kids with the new camera, and give them a taste of their own medicine when they were showing you ALL day long the gifts that Santa brought them...and at about 4-6 pm, you would go in your mind: Why did i get them those gifts?

[randell]

Found this one on a bike ride last weekend.




Pretty sure it is Powderpuff (Mimosa strigillosa)

[Sanjuro82]

Beautiful!  What great color.

[Al]

Great shot and great flower!

Al

[Boojum1]

Central Texas Wildflower, taken tonight.


It's common and I don't know what it is!

Al

But unfortunately my wife does:

http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Verbena_HomeP.html and there is a price to be paid!

Al

The wild version is generally V. bipinnatatifida (aint gonna go look it up, 30 year memory will have to suffice) while there are several ornamental verbenas available at nurseries that aren't all native.  The common wildflower is generally biennial, whereas the ornamental ones are perennial.  The other flowers are Ratibida or Mexican Hat/Prairie coneflower of course.

[sleepy]

sorry for being late, but snapped a few last night in the garden. 

this


becomes this


leek


artichoke flower.  ate 6 chokes off this plant then let it go to flower


up close



have many many flower photos, but I was harvesting last night and came up with a theme.

[Al]

Central Texas Wildflower, taken tonight.


It's common and I don't know what it is!

Al

But unfortunately my wife does:

http://www.magnoliagardensnursery.com/productdescrip/Verbena_HomeP.html and there is a price to be paid!

Al

The wild version is generally V. bipinnatatifida (aint gonna go look it up, 30 year memory will have to suffice) while there are several ornamental verbenas available at nurseries that aren't all native.  The common wildflower is generally biennial, whereas the ornamental ones are perennial.  The other flowers are Ratibida or Mexican Hat/Prairie coneflower of course.

Dang!  If you can remember all that AND the spelling after 30 years you are da man!  Thanks!

Al

[Al]

Far from Big Bend does anyone know what this is?  Looks like a trumpet but I'm used to seeing these as a vine . . .



Al

[randell]

It certainly does look like Yellow Jasmine (AKA Evening Trumpet Flower), but I have only seen it as a vine as well.  The USDA Plant database lists its growth habit as vine or shrub so maybe this is the shrub version.

[Al]

Randall, taken in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, so I think that's right.  We drove across the Everglades to Naples and back today and there are flowers here that compete with La Jolla Ca, so size appears to be no object.  The flowers are simply incredible. I did not want to impose on my traveling companions to take the many pictures that were warranted since we were going to a Mass and Celebration of Life of a dear friend who passed away much too young in life.  There are no givens in life. Enjoy the flowers everyday, as I know you do.  Thanks.

Al

[randell]

Here is a photo I took of one of a yellow jasmine in my neighborhood:

[lighter fluid]

I took this one while hiking up the Emory Peak trail.
Not really on par with ya'lls photographic skill level, but what the heck, I thought I'd share it anyway.

[randell]

I took this one while hiking up the Emory Peak trail.
Not really on par with ya'lls photographic skill level, but what the heck, I thought I'd share it anyway.

That is a beauty! 

I found this one in the Panhandle this past weekend, the Texas Thistle.  They are huge!

[jeffblaylock]

My prickly pear is blooming, one flower at a time, for one day at a time:



One of my other cacti bloomed in the side yard, for three days: