John and I finally got back out to the MN Landscape Arboretum to take flower/bug/bird shots. I was disappointed with my results. I usually photograph flowers with my 7D and 100-400mm Canon lens. I decided that I needed to try my new 5D lll and the new 70-200mm Canon lens. I found that the 70-200 lens in combination with the full frame camera lacked the reach I needed for flowers that were to the back of the beds. I had the macro lens with me also and tried that on a couple of flowers. I found the DOF is too shallow, for my taste, when I have to get in close to fill the frame. When I got home and downloaded about 150 photos; I managed to salvage one. It was painful going through those shots. I was so dissatisfied with them that many were just deleted.

 My dahlias weren't quite ready to bloom yet and the ones that had bloomed were in pretty sad shape. The combination of heat and drought have really taken its toll on many of the flowers out there. Still, many are thriving and vibrant, I just couldn't capture the beauty this time for some reason.

      I had pretty much given up when I spotted a patch of autumn lillies partially under a shade tree. I sat down on the bench beside them and started taking some shots.  They were looking pretty bad as the sun was high in the sky and I didn't have John to hold up the reflector/diffuser to shade them. I waited and eventually the sun went behind the clouds for a few seconds and I was able to get in a nice lit shot.

  I loved the color of these beauties and have to go back for more before they are gone. As I sat there waiting for John to show up, I remembered the multiple exposure mode on the 5D lll and gave it a try on the flowers the next time the clouds covered the sun. I need to remember this neat little mode as it could end up making some very nice abstract type shots when I take more time with it than I did yesterday with these.

I hate that summer is already half over, so I need to get out and get my fill of flower photography. I will just make sure I carry the right camera/lens combo and cross my fingers for better results.

Happy Trails ~ Gina