We proudly present our next topic for the monthly MBC –feature: LEAF and LEAVES. They are the perfect subject for this time of the year –buds becoming leaves- and perfect to look back to autumn of last year.
You all massively voted again this month and we want to thank everyone who voted for our poll and who contributed to this feature. We hope you enjoy this and vote again in our new poll for the topic of next month!

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photodragon


- How did you start with this kind of pictures? What was your inspiration?
I am not really sure how I first started taking these kinds of pictures. I tend to photograph things that I think look interesting. I try to let the environment that I am in inspire me combined with thinking about other photos that I have seen in online and in photo magazines.
- Do you prefer to take picture in the "wild" nature or in a (sort of) studio?
I don't really have a studio so I mainly focus on taking pictures out in nature. I believe I have only photographed one leaf indoors. I saw it out on my back patio and was inspired by its shape and form. So I grabbed and went running around the house to get my photo gear and something to set up a small make shift backdrop.
- How does your setup looks like? camera, lenses, tripod, ...?
As far as my set up. Well, like I said, I mainly shoot out doors so it's just my photo gear. I started out with an original Canon Rebel (film), 35-80mm lens and a 70-200mm lens, camera mounted flash, a tripod, and some filters. My filters consisted of a polarizer and some close up filters. Now I shoot with a Canon Rebel Xti with an 18-55mm lens, 80-300mm(with a macro setting at the longer range) and a uv filter (to protect the lenses) and a polarizer. Lens mounted flash and tripod and a remote trigger for when I fear camera shake. Flash can be pretty harsh at times so I am out doors I only use it when I really need it. Oh, I almost forgot I just bought a 5-in-1 reflector (still need to experiment with that more.)
- Which kind of trees or plants are the most interesting ones?
I can't really say that any particular kind of tree interest me. When I am out I mainly look for things that look interesting to me or that have strange shapes and patterns.
- Any extra tips?
When you’re out shooting just look for shapes and patterns and colors that you find interesting and shoot it. If you find it interesting then chances are someone else will too. Also try looking at the world from different angles and perspectives, remember to look straight up once in awhile, and get down low to the ground as well. And the best advise of all: PRACTICE.

Some deviations from photodragon:

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ericthom57


- How did you start with this kind of pictures? What was your inspiration?
I've always had a fascination with all kinds of science. But it's the real beauty of a leaf that attracted my attention. Of course not all are necessarily photogenic, but some virtually beg to be shot. There are so many shapes, textures and vein patterns that make them interesting. But in many of them I find them more interesting as they age, or even die.
- Do you prefer to take picture in the "wild" nature or in a (sort of) studio?
As far as the shoot setting is concerned, in my entire gallery I have just two shots not taken in their natural setting. I'm not trained in studio work and frankly not comfortable in the studio. But I am at ease in most any kind of natural light situation...even in mid-day sun which can be one of the toughest lighting situations.
- How does your setup looks like? camera, lenses, tripod, ...
I shoot with A Nikon D90. My lenses are a Sigma 70-200, Sigma 35-70 and a Tokina 12-24. For my macros I use a single Kenko extension tube. That's the major equipment and I carry it in either a LowePro backpack, or a Domke shoulder bag, depending on the situation.
I very rarely ever use a flash, though I do own one. On occasion I use a Manfrotto tripod that is quite versatile to allow for shooting at the lowest levels. And I sometimes use a remote trigger with the tripod. But 95% of what I shoot is hand held.
- Which kind of trees or plants are the most interesting ones?
The most interesting trees...Wow, that's a hard one. I live in an area full of pine trees (boring), oak trees (boring) and imported palms (I live near the beach...and palms are boring, too). But other than oaks, I find potential in most other hardwoods. As I look at my gallery, I find most of the leaf shots were taken in Alabama, Georgia or Michigan. And I find dead or dying leaves generally more interesting. I think it's that they age in so many different ways.
- Any extra tips?
Final thoughts: When I'm in the woods/forest, I spend most of my time either looking up or looking down...rarely straight ahead (which is why I sometimes get slapped in the face with low branches and limbs). I look for the way the light plays in the leaves still attached to the trees. On the ground I look for light hitting a certain place, or for leaves that are interesting because of their shape, color, or the way they have aged. This is not hard shooting...but it does take an eye that looks for the details.

Some deviations from ericthom57:

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menoevil


- How did you start with this kind of pictures? What was your inspiration?
Like the other photographers, the massively spectacular part of macro pictures could attract every eyes of beholders. I might however be a bit different from that others that I added my personal emotion into my photos. For me, taking pictures is not just push the button and record what I saw through the lens. It's a lot more meaningful than that. Each of my work is hidden my feeling inside.
- Do you prefer to take picture in the "wild" nature or in a (sort of) studio?
I prefer to take picture in the wild nature. Because I personally love the demanding tasks. In addition, taking picture in an in-door studio is sort of boring for me.
- How does your setup looks like? camera, lenses, tripod, ...?
Sometimes I use Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro or just lens kit with close-up filters.
Neither flashes nor an automatic trigger. I basically do not use any special equipment. I always spend time on post processing (PS) in order to get the aspiring pictures.
- Which kind of trees or plants are the most interesting ones?
In my opinion, everything has its own interesting views. It depends on whether you can see the beauty inside of it.
- Any extra tips?
Spend time on each aspiring picture to get every detail!
Some deviations from menoevil:

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Some deviations from other artists:

FaMz




Sandy33311




photonzoo

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Jay-Cougar-Prints

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simoneyvette

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witchlady750

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phykia

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dandelgrosso

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More Macro and Close-up photography on