Thanks to Jim’s recent post, I’ve decided to start collecting leaves photographically. I have done some in the past, but not with a plan…which I still don’t have but why let that get in the way? I am not sure where it will lead, but this is a start. It will be mostly a study of shape, lines and form, but there will also be whatever nature offers, so one never knows. And, of course, later in the year there will be color. Well…there is some color now too.
Here are three from my yard to start.
Pokeweed
Hosta underside
These were all shot with a 100 macro and into the sun allowing the backlighting to emphasize the structure.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I really like the variations nature provides on the theme. I’m looking forward to seeing your photos. These show such nice relief.
Thank you for the reference to my post. That was nice of you.
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I really don’t know what the next step will be. I am sure some will be repeat performances but with different patterns, but I hope to find new ways of sharing leaf structure too…at least new to me. No doubt those who study leaves will have seen it all.
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Leafologists may have seen it all, or at least a lot more than we have, but I think there’ll still be plenty for us photographers to discover and play up.
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Well, even if they have seen it all, they haven’t seen it the way we do it.
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Glad to share the reference. I always try to give credit where it’s due and recognize where I get my ideas.
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Fascinating details. So interesting to compare.
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A leaf is not just any old leaf. Just as you have been showing with your flowers, Lemony. Thanks.
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Very nice and a great idea. Living here in Florida we have a wide range of leaves. I may have to try this, of course I will need to learn the names
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Thanks. I thought the hosta ribs reminded me a bit of a palm which you do have plenty of.
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These are all really nice. I can’t wait to see the entire gallery when you’re done.
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Thanks, David. Since I don’t really know where I am going with this, it is hard to say when and/or if it will ever be done. There are so many trees and leafy plants. Who knows, maybe a spinach leaf will make an appearance.
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These are just astonishing. They remind me of the jewelry that was common a few decades back, when plenty of midwestern women were wearing leaves that had been dipped in gold, silver, or copper. My mother had a couple of pieces, and they were attractive in a slightly weird way.
I’m really taken with the color. I have trouble sometimes with a yellowish tint to the greens in my photos, but it occurs to me that in at least some instances, it may well be the light that’s creating the effect. It can pop up late in the afternoon — maybe the light itself is more yellow, then. And it can happen when we have a lot of humidity and haze, too. Mysteries abound!
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While in Bar Harbor, we visit an artisans’ shop, Island Artisans, where we found some pottery which had leaves pressed into the surfaces, leaving very delicate patterns. The detail was similar to what I have shared here.
Regarding color, do you adjust for white balance in your camera’s controls? I am not sure what processing software you are using, but usually there is some function that allows for setting white balance if it was not set in camera. That might allow for the yellow you see in your images. Of course, the later in the day, the warmer your light until it starts to fade and then blue brings cooler color.
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So many leaf types and various shades if green. The 100mm macro is doing a good job.
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That is why I mentioned to David above about possibly never finishing the project, Yvonne. There is an endless supply of subjects and then the variation through the seasons as well.
I don’t use the 100 all that much…usually the 180, but it was well suited for this.
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All looking great – nice contrast and great patterns.
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Thanks, Tom. I have to admit that before this I had never looked at the underside of a hosta leaf.
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Thanks for pointing out to this older post. Very nice job, well done. What happened to this project and, do you have more? I find leaf veins and shapes quite fascinating.
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Thanks for following the link and looking. Glad that you like the images, Alessandra! I have a problem with concentration…easily distracted by bright shiny objects…or frogs. 🙂 It’s lain in wait for more to be added and has been a bit too long in the waiting.
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