Monday, January 18, 2010

A burnt orange type of red

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I found this tiny shell on the beach the other weekend. One look at that tiny spiral inside and I knew I wanted to shoot it. It's really small though, and my closeup filters aren't that great (I still can't afford a dedicated macro lens and won't be getting my extension tubes until April), so by the time I was finally able to start playing around this past Saturday I ended up completely frustrated, unable to make the images in my mind's eye a reality. I won't even tell you how many shots went straight into the recycle bin, I'll just say that out of all of them this is the best of the bunch.
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It's not what I was aiming for but I really do like it for what it is. I've still got the shell though so it may yet reappear in a new and improved image later on.

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Click to enlarge
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Oh, and it's not exactly red either, is it?
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28 comments:

Rajesh said...

Fantastic shot, looks really cool.

Leora said...

Fascinating to me. Whatever the linen you photographed it upon is beautiful. I found a whole Photoshop tutorial on how to create tilt-shift photographer - I can see that effect in the linen. Lovely, subtle colors.

Anonymous said...

I love that it looks like it is still unfolding... the focus creates an intense effect of poetry in motion.

Frida said...

Beautiful colors on the shell and I like your composition.

kayerj said...

that's really good--I'll look forward to seeing it again.

Carletta said...

When it isn't as we imagine it just gives us something more to strive for. :)
I think you did a great job!

maryt/theteach said...

RED enough, Robin! Marvelous effects - some blurring, macro... fantastic! I don't know what you might have done better! Happy Ruby Tuesday! :)

Patti said...

This is an artistic photo. I like the composition and the shell offers some interesting lines and curves.

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. ;-)

Happy Ruby Tuesday.

Ralph said...

It is a delicate pink shell, the light pastel almost translucent. The shell looks so tropical, almost like a mini conch at least in color. This picture is beautiful, and like Patti thinks, the throwaways were as well. Photo art we see, and it is lovely...

Jama said...

You did a great job here, I just love the bokeh effect.

Tammy said...

I really like it. I sense movement when I look at it, I guess from the spiral effect... Good job!

quilly said...

Oh I think you did an excellent job photographing this. I much prefer the broken and worn shells to the pristine ones. These say so much more about life and struggle.

Mimi said...

Robin, it's wonderful! I love the contrast of the hard material of the shell, the soft focus, and the texture of the cloth underneath.

toby said...

I agree with Patti - don't be so hard on yourself! It's a lovely shot of a lovely shell - lucky you for finding it :)

Anonymous said...

That's beautiful!

I see you're in Tel Aviv - I'm visiting there in October, so I'll have to collect some shells as a memento and compare them to my own beach in Brighton, England!

rachel

Terri said...

I like the shell, but I like the background even more. I find it very calming.

Chubskulit Rose said...

quite pretty!

Sharing my son's 3rd birthday

Mojo said...

It's close enough to red (and closer than a lot of stuff I've seen posted) and I feel your pain on the macro filters. They're tricky beggars. Only thing I've found that seems to make any difference at all is to stop down to f/6.3 or smaller so you get at least a little depth of field. (Of course I don't know if that's your specific complaint or not... I'm just sayin'.)

It's a cool shot in any case. Looks like something I'd go for.

Daryl said...

Sort of salmon or penny .. copper colored ..a lighter version of your hair!

Its great .. I know its not what you wanted but I feel your frustration, I sat and shot this little section of an amazing sculpture over and over til I got it in focus just the way I wanted and its still not 'perfect'. I decided as much as I want a macro, I really want a wide angle more!

Marice said...

so cute! u really have an eye for photography!

u may view mine here

Dianne said...

I like the swirl inside too
it's a pretty subject
I hope you enjoy taking more shots of it, this one is lovely

Ellie said...

This reminds me of Belgium sea shell chocolate box for Christmas in Sam's Club :) I am so craving sugar now!

Felisol said...

Dear Robin,
I don't play your league with lenses and all that pro stuff. (My Serina does, so I have superficial knowledge. I have seen her lenses this Christmas, but not through them.)
I therefore cannot say anything wise about the quality. I just like your photo for what it is. The softness in colors, the floating texture and intricate curves of God made creation.
Lovely.
( I actually have four similar seashells from Israel, brought to me by a lovely family friend years ago. They have these special orange stripes not known in Norway.
I shall have to fetch them from their hiding place in my special things drawer and maybe make a simple powershot picture.)
From Felisol

Anonymous said...

What a lovely find beautifully shared. Sure hope everyone's well soon and that life can return to 'normal' ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

Dina said...

It brings to mind an ear, but much more beautiful.

Claremont First Ward said...

I love that color.

I finally got around to doing a blog button page on my site and you're now officially up. :)

Sandy said...

Love the colors. My husband gave me a gorgeous Canon macro lens for Christmas! I was so excited, it was really the only thing I wanted but since we really don't spend a lot on each other for Christmas (unless it's something really special like this) I didn't expect it. I haven't had much time to experiment with it but looking forward to it.

Robin Robinson said...

Ooooo, the tiny, tender ear of a delicate sea-she being! Love it!