While I sort out what it going on with my internet connection at home, I am unable to upload new photos, so you have to wait for more 2010 Vintage Grand Prix. Which means more of my typical photography.

Today we zip over to the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH. And as usual, look at more macro photography.

Technical Data: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di SP LD 1:1 Macro, 1/320 sec at f/4.5. ISO 400. No post production. Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, OH.

Why This Photo: There is just something about macro photography that draws me in. It causes you to look at something a little differently, and possibly see something you would normally not see, or pay attention to something you'd overlooked. And for whatever reason, that always applies with cacti for me.

What Works: The critical focus hits right on the mark with the center thorn of the cactus in tack sharp focus (yeah - I mean that pun!). The simplicity of the shot keeps my focus and draws me in without being too distracting. Finally, the macro angle allows you to see something differently - at times I look at this shot of a small cactus thorn and it honestly reminds me of a fossilized whale jaw that hangs on the wall at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in much the same orientation as this.

What Doesn't Work: While the shallow depth of field produces a nicely blurred and non-distracting background, there is simply nothing at all discernible in the background and is at times a tiny bit confusing. Additionally, the depth of field is so shallow that the secondary thorns are blurred as well. And unfortunately, the colors are a bit muted - almost to the point of being a monochrome shot.

I also like the framing of the shot and the fact that I managed to avoid breaking the edge of the frame with the center point of the thorn (which is a very typical problem I have if you've been following along).

I also took another shot of these same cacti that encompassed a wider shot and more of the thorns, but I just can't decide whether I like it as much.

Drop me a comment and let me know what you think. Hopefully I'll have an internet connection working at home soon so that I can start uploading new photos, or you'll have to deal with a few more old photos... hope you won't mind.

- Bill