Morning in the Garden

Let me preface this post with a few details about using a Nikon D80. “Why?” You ask.  The D80 shares the same CCD sensor as the Nikon D200, a 10 MP DSLR.  Unlike the D200, it does not meter with non-AF lenses, because that’s Nikon. Always dumbing down their “consumer-level” cameras.  I have a Nikon D200 (and D300, D7200 and Df), but the D80 is smaller, lighter, and it cost me $60.  Shooting it with manual lenses is almost like shooting a film camera, but with the instant satisfaction of seeing if your exposure is right.  While the camera does not know the aperture, you can easily change the shutter speed via the thumb wheel on the body, or change the aperture on the lens, or adjust the ISO to get what you feel is a good exposure.  Also, here’s where knowing the exposure triangle and estimating the light comes in handy.  The fact is, I also like the color rendering of those CCD sensors, and even shooting in B&W mode I get pretty good approximations of b&w film.

You can take excellent photographs with an old DSLR.  When the D80/D200 came out, they were considered to be excellent cameras, and they still are. Don't fall for the fallacy that you need the absolute latest digital to get great photos.  

I have used the Lensbaby Velvet 56 since 2018, and on a film body, it’s quite incredibly versatile. Wide-open at f/1.6 gives you some serious out of focus blur and a glow that’s really something. Stop down more than f/4, it is quite good, and since it close-focuses to the macro level, it’s great for flowers, etc.  I’ve shot with it on my full frame Nikon Df, and of course, everything works in A mode.  But on the D80, it’s going to be equivalent to about an 85mm lens in coverage, and I have to expose in manual mode.  Not a big deal for an experienced photographer. I’m not looking for perfection, I’m looking to make art.

Some of the images from this morning in Lightroom

So, this morning I took the D80 out into our garden. It had rained a bit overnight, the sky was cloudy, and very little wind. Perfect for what I wanted to do.  I set the ISO at 250 and upped it to 400 when I wanted to shoot at smaller apertures.  Most of the time I shot at f/4 to f/8, but in a few instances, I shot at f/2.8 and f/1.6.  

At f/5.6

At f/1.6 - wide open.   That's some glow.

I have been photographing flower closeups with DSLRs since 2006, and it’s great using odd lenses and experimenting with instant feedback and then making some adjustments.  That’s the beauty of an SLR, whether it’s film or digital.  And while I have also done similar photographs with mirrorless, I like using an SLR better, since I am seeing directly through the viewfinder, not an electronic rendering.  Plus, the battery lasts so much longer in a DSLR.  That’s my preference, and it doesn’t mean that you have to do it my way.  

I'd call this painterly.  Wide-open.

One of the things about the Lensbaby Velvet 56 that I like is that it can be a sharp lens when stopped down, but it can also give a dreamy velvety glow to images at wider apertures, and today, I really had some fun with it.  I did about 100 exposures in 30 minutes, just walking through out wildflower meadow and our more traditional garden.  The rain drops and soft light were perfect for what I wanted, and I got the shots.  

Senna leaves with drops

Virginia Spider-Wort

Purple Cone Flower is always a great subject

Hosta flowers

These Crocosmia flowers look like glass

Hydrangeas 

Hydrangea leaf

Hydrangea leaf

I sometimes feel that I am chasing down some unattainable level of perfection.  Maybe you do too.  In the end, if you like your results, that is what counts. If an image conveys an emotion, captures a feeling, a suspended moment that is beautiful, you got something that’s worthwhile.  Maybe it won’t happen again that day, but unless you are out shooting, you’ll never know.  That is one of the great aspects of photography.  Sometimes it comes easily, and sometimes it requires a lot of work.  I like being able to walk outside and have that opportunity to explore nature’s beauty right in my yard.

Ladie's Mantle leaves

Coreopsis flower

More Coneflower at f/2.8 or so

Coneflower at f/5.6