I had checked the forecast a day or two before and noticed a moderate chance of showers. My decision was to use only the K-5 and DA* 55mm f1.4 lens. We ended up having some light showers once or twice while at the garden, so that decision worked out. I just kept using the camera as normal without any issues while the rain was coming down.
The nice thing about meetups like this is that I can just focus on the basics, but I’m also inclined to do a more experimental style of framing my subjects. This leads to images that might receive some critical comments on first view, but when examining them further, they might see the intent involved.
For example:
Multiple times I noticed scenes where the foreground let in just a bit of something interesting. A visual hint of interest lies in the middle of the frame that you put a little extra time into trying to distinguish. On first glance, it might have an amateurish feel, but I don’t believe that is the case when my true intent realized.
As I was trying to branch out a bit in every aspect, I fought the urge to fixate on large apertures. I love using a large aperture, but sometimes I feel a scene can be portrayed in a better way with a smaller aperture. In this example, using a smaller aperture of f8 allows more of the plants to be in view to show off the entire scene as a subject in itself. A focus on the symmetry and texture of the scene is better achieved with a small aperture.
Thanks to the rain, I was able to take a few images I’ve never had the chance to take there at the garden. I think this one emphasized the natural conditions well.
A simple focus that draws the eyes forward as if you were walking along the path. In situations like this I prefer large apertures so I can focus on a specific area of the ground for full intent.