Greg Molyneux Photography

Tag: bokeh

  • Working under cover

    In this low key macro photograph of a Black-eyed Susan (yellow daisy), miniature insects are working in unison under the cover of the illuminated yellow flower petals and rich bokeh fades out the background.
    Working under cover — 100mm | f/4 | ISO 100 | EXP 1/400

    Yellow daisies. Shoot ’em while they last.

    Last week I was taking advantage of the late afternoon sun to create some dramatic flower macros with my Black-eyed Susans backdropped by a Japanese Maple. Some folks find too much sun a bad thing with their flower macros while I find it to be a most useful ally. It affords me stark contrast in lighting, muting the background to a smooth, dark bokeh.

    Now that’s all well and good but it wasn’t until I got behind the viewfinder that I saw what was really going on down there; roughly a dozen as of now unidentified insects dutifully consuming what I can only guess is some kind of sugar on the flower stem—please someone correct my ignorance: I’d love to know the type of bug, and what they were doing there. Thanks! Their legs were awful close to an ant’s however the abdomen was much different; oblong, elongated and raised toward the rear.

    At the end of the day shooting macro once again reminds me just how much is going on right under our very noses (all hail the mighty cliché). This is what drove me to become a photographer. Before I ever dreamed of shooting wide angle landscapes it was macro and macro alone that fueled my initial instruction and experimentation behind the lens.

  • Quick fire in the slow sunshine

    A late afternoon macro photograph of a newly blooming quick fire hydrangea. The fresh tender white buds are just set to pop with a soft focus settling around the two open flowers.
    Quick fire in the slow sunshine — 100mm | f/4 | ISO 100 |EXP 1/160

    This one took a bit of investigating. I have a prominent bush in my back yard that blooms in late summer with some beautiful and bug friendly flowers. As I type I’m certain it’s swarming with life.

    I’ve had my suspicion it was some kind of hydrangea but I was never certain as it seemed a little too sparse and a little too large. Alas, my mom got to the bottom of things at a local flower shop this afternoon and came through to let me know that this here shrubbery is a quick fire hydrangea.

    With all that said I look forward to more macro goodness at the feet of this flowering shrub in the coming weeks.

  • A crowning achievement

    Infused with pink and purple pastels, this colorful macro echinacea (purple coneflower) photograph features an early blossom with young petals that have the look of a crown for some kind of floral coronation.
    A crowning achievement — 100mm | f/4 | ISO 100 | EXP 1/160

    This photograph with its smooth bokeh and colorful pastels brings a smile to my face. Standing sentry this solemn yet proud purple coneflower is ready to live out its reign having just donned its tender floral crown. It is here I only wish all rulers would radiate such modesty and grace under the seductive weight of power and responsibility. It ain’t easy being king—even if you’re just a flower.

  • Can a peony bring one peace?

    A cross processed macro photograph of a pink peony as it opens to the world. This cross processed picture is cast in a pinkish hue highlighted by beautiful bokeh and the shadows of flora.
    Can a peony bring one peace? — 50mm | f/2 | ISO 100 | EXP 1/1000

    It’s been some kind of day. One of those gems where nothing quite seems to work as it should—as you need it to. I’ve been holding onto this peony photograph for a few days and now seems like the opportune time to post; I can use a bit of lift. Scheduling woes, chronic procrastination, and an upcoming art show have wrought the end of the rope for this guy. I’m a terrible multitasker to begin with and there’s just too much on my plate. But I’ll live. And I’d do well to remind myself the problems I have are largely the good kind. I will overcome and I will not lose sight of those truly struggling under the yolk of real strife. I will get beyond my struggles of the first world.

    That about covers it for this rant. Thanks for listening.

  • Wisteria when you’re near

    A macro photograph of a freshly bloomed wisteria flowering plant. The shallow depth of field and deep vignetting evoke a moody feel among the flowers.
    Wisteria when you’re near — 100mm | f/4 | ISO 100 | EXP 1/640

    I made some time with my camera yesterday albeit it brief. A steady wind backed by strong gusts made for futile macro conditions. Or so I thought. Having just uploaded my shots into Lightroom I quickly saw there were some winners in the set—in fact there were several. Luck was on my side, I somehow managed to snag some interesting selective focus with a shallow depth of field as blossoms erratically moved about the frame. Sometimes you gotta just go with it, right?

    Bonus points if you get the lyrically inspired play on words in the title.

  • Snow noir

    A black and white abstract photograph of a street light with falling snow. Shot with plentiful bokeh in a film noir style. Taken by Manahawkin, NJ, photographer Greg Molyneux.
    Snow noir — 14mm | f/8 | ISO 5000 | EXP 1/40

    Nighttime snow will forever mean one thing: incessant checking of the streetlights for evidence—and intensity—of falling snow. Snow lovers know what I’m talking about.

    This winter has been somewhat vexing. There’s been plenty of snow but not enough opportunity for my camera and me to exploit it. With tonight’s passing clipper, I was not to be stopped. Even if it meant a quick jaunt to the streetlight one house down. But hey?

    With one quick exposure into moderately falling snow and a streetlight I’ve gazed up at so many times before, my camera made real what my mind imagined. I knew immediately this was destined for a very deep sepia treatment and one cool outcome. I hope you enjoy.

  • Off on the Edge

    Macro photography of a purple peony backdropped by rich bokeh
    Off on the Edge — 100mm | f/4 | ISO 400 | EXP 1/640

    Macro photography of a purple peony backdropped by rich bokeh. In hindsight I’d go back and crop off the top 10% of this photograph to tighten the overall image. I’d probably roll with the 2:1 ratio.