Closeups - Snowflakes and Lights

[Leslie and Halas]

The other day, Joanne shared a photo on Facebook of an extreme close up of a snowflake.  I did a little research, and found out that with the addition of a $10 accessory, I would have the equipment (although not the talent) to do that same thing.

I really spent $20.  I got a $10 reverse ring that lets me flip my 50mm lens around backwards, so some of these pictures were taken that way.  I got another $10 ring that lets me flip my 50mm lens backwards, but attach it to my 70-200mm lens.  So the 70-200 is on the camera, and the 50mm is flipped backwards and attached to that.  Some of these pics were taken that way.  

I didn't get too many great ones, but I think a few of them are ok, considering I just started working with it.  The Christmas tree lights were easier, because I was inside.  With a breeze outside, the snowflakes were more difficult, but I can at least start to see how cool some photos like this would be.  So here are some of my attempts.

Here are a few articles that got me started:

http://io9.com/amazing-close-up-photos-of-snowflakes-taken-without-...

http://digital-photography-school.com/reverse-lens-macro-close-up-p...

[Carol and Banjo]

These are really good first attempts!    I love the Christmas Light shots…..thanks so much for sharing.   I'm putting this on my "to do" list!   Or should I say, "to try" list!

[F, Calla & Luca]

This is really fascinating and you did a great job. When i tried this sort of thing, one lens with extender tubes i found the lack of light was my biggest problem.

[Camilla and Darwin]

These are beautiful first attempts, I love them! I want to try this!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Leslie, I think you did a great job. Wow. This sounds like a lot of fun to try.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Wow, those are really great!  So interesting too!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Wow, Leslie, these are really interesting.

[DJ & Chance]

These are great first attempts and I ca't wait to try thus!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I love those snowflake shots....awesome!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh Leslie, I am so glad you posted this discussion.  Thank you. Very Cool.  You did a great job!!

I am going to look more into photographing and perfecting this shot also. I hope. 

For anyone else,  here is the photo and information Bob Blair gave us.

Bob Blair is credited as a volunteer photographer for the Metro Parks Serving Summit County.

He seems to volunteer everyday and what a nice job he does.

Rob Blair Thanks everyone....it's definitely a real snowflake. For the photographers or anyone interested, this was shot using a Canon 70D, Canon 50mm f/1.8, and 65mm of extension tubes so that I could get less than one inch from the snowflake and still have it in focus.

Check out his page to see what he submits daily. Worth the visit! 

https://www.facebook.com/RobBlair07

[Leslie and Halas]

I hope to get some half this good, eventually!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Extension Tubes. Do I have the right idea in thinking it's a lens wearing reading glasses?

[Leslie and Halas]

I went with reverse rings instead of extension tubes, but I think that's the right idea.