Macro Monday: Unfurling leaf

Cordyline Fruticosa “Pink Diamond” unfurling leaf

I bought this plant a couple of weeks ago, and it’s churning out new leaves at the rate of one a week. I’m slightly worried, as it’s already just below my shoulder height. (I had to stand on a stool to get these shots.) Where will it end?? The ceiling is not exactly cathedral height!

If you’re impressed by the way I can reel off the Latin and variety, don’t be. It’s only because I kept the tag. 😉

Cordyline Fruticosa “Pink Diamond” unfurling leaf

A splash of colour on a wet, gloomy day

After a delightful run of unseasonably warm autumnal weather, winter has arrived in Sydney with a steady drizzle and dropping temperatures. I stopped at a local greengrocer on the way home and saw these small gerberas. They are only a few centimetres across but their cheerful pink-and-white exuberance was a lovely sight on a winter evening, when the sun has set by 5pm. Isn’t it interesting how enormous this little flower appears when shot as a macro?

Flower Focus 2

I’ve been going a bit mad with flower photos on the new camera, and wondering what to do with them all. Then I discovered Floral Friday Fotos! Sorted.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.

Hibiscus backlit by the setting sun.

Hot pink bougainvillea in glorious sunshine.

The scent from the lilies was intoxicating at 1cm macro distance.

In the heart of a peony.

An orange-flowering creeper, against an extremely blurred red bougainvillea.

Up close and personal

Cee has set a great black and white challenge this time: macros. I love the way a photo changes when I zoom way, way in, and the way it changes when I switch from colour to black and white.

A cliffside garden near Bondi Beach.

The image above was inspired by the shallow focus photos of Elina over at Capturing Little Moments. One of the great things about blogging, I’ve found, is that it has exposed me to new ways of taking photographs. It’s also made me realise that I need a better camera! (To see the non-macro, colour version of this image, click here. The plant I zoomed on is outlined in yellow.)

Chocolate! Sparkling wine! Together at last!

A meal and a drink, all in one! You get a better idea of how much fun this is in this video (colour).
Yes, I know, I’m easily amused. 🙂