3 in 1
30th May 2020
Amongst many other activities, our household is heavily involved in the local allotment association, and in particular run a specific project (project 63) which grows fruit and vegetables and donates to the local charity ‘Sanctus’. This charity provides warm or hot meals for the homeless, shelter and also guidance in relation to many other elements of life. Back to project 63 – we also experiment with growing vegetables your every day plot holder may not normally consider. However, as a photographer there are of course other benefits of cultivating your own plot.
The biggest benefit is the ability to photograph the variety of wildlife which visits the plot. From the friendly pollinators, – bees, hover flies and butterflies, to the grower’s enemies – slugs, snails and butterflies!. It also provide a source of potential material to use at the local camera club competitions. The allotment is therefore a 3 in 1 activity, providing food, photographic opportunity and material for competition.
The world of macro photography can be frustrating – the depth of field is minimal, the various targets of my attention tend to be skittish (am never up early enough to get them in more dormant mode), and insisting on just hand holding to take the image, a whole load of patience required. When you nail it though – great satisfaction.
The image above which accompanies this article is quite satisfying on a personal level. The caterpillar only tends to feed on plants or shrubs which the plot holder would consider weeds (veggies safe), and was captured last summer just to the rear of the plot following a long patient spell flat out on the ground trying to get the right angle. It was also recognised at the club competition a few weeks ago and received the judges nod of approval as the image of the evening, which is a hugely pleasing outcome.
The biggest benefit is the ability to photograph the variety of wildlife which visits the plot. From the friendly pollinators, – bees, hover flies and butterflies, to the grower’s enemies – slugs, snails and butterflies!. It also provide a source of potential material to use at the local camera club competitions. The allotment is therefore a 3 in 1 activity, providing food, photographic opportunity and material for competition.
The world of macro photography can be frustrating – the depth of field is minimal, the various targets of my attention tend to be skittish (am never up early enough to get them in more dormant mode), and insisting on just hand holding to take the image, a whole load of patience required. When you nail it though – great satisfaction.
The image above which accompanies this article is quite satisfying on a personal level. The caterpillar only tends to feed on plants or shrubs which the plot holder would consider weeds (veggies safe), and was captured last summer just to the rear of the plot following a long patient spell flat out on the ground trying to get the right angle. It was also recognised at the club competition a few weeks ago and received the judges nod of approval as the image of the evening, which is a hugely pleasing outcome.