Macro Helebore HDR close up and use of Microsoftpix Filter for DAA (Digital Artistic Alteration)

 My friend Sue has a double petal hellebore (Lenten Rose) that she got last year from Janice Nichols' Geseme Garden Nursery.  The image on left taken with iPhone HDR setting.  I wanted to try a filter from Microsoftpix for the same image. This is an iOS app. 

I used it for my DAA (Digital Artistic Alterations) presentation at the camera club in March. Also posted to Facebook page.

Pink Trillium and Yellow Rhododendron - NC Zoo, Asheboro

 These are two spring flower images from my trip to the zoo.  These are close up images of some spring blooms.  I was surprised to find the pink trillium and the yellow native rhododendron.  Taken with the Panasonic ZS70, aperture priority on sunny day.  Very minimal post processing in PSE 15.

NC Zoo, Lioness and Elephant.

On Saturday, I went to the NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC.  I recently got a new point and shoot camera and was interested in how I could zoom in on the animals.  It is a Panasonic ZS70 that is supposed to have equivalent of a 700mm zoom.  These were taken in bright sun with Aperature Priority Setting.  Post processing was minimal.  I did post these animals on my Facebook Page.  Was sorry the polar bears, zebras, and rhinoceros were not out and about.  I did take some images of spring flowers blooming as well. The elephant has a red tone to his hide due to prevalence of red clay soil in the area.   

Late bloomimg Yaezakuora Cherry Blossoms

 It has been very breezy lately.  This is a close up of Yaezakura cherry blossoms.  I actually had to pick them and put on a piece of green felt.  So, this is like a still life.   In nature these blossoms hang down from the tree branches and lighting is quite difficult to get a close up even on a cloudy day.  I used a macro setting on my new Panasonic camera.   It was taken outdoors latter in the evening then I had intended... so, I ended up with more of a soft focus.  These Japanese cherry trees bloom later than the ones with smaller more defined single petals.  For more information, check out the URL:
 https://tokyocheapo.com/lifestyle/outdoors/yaezakura-late-blooming-cherry-trees-tokyo/

Greensboro Science Museum and Sciquarium

 I got a new P & S camera:  Panasonic ZS70. It was recommended by a friend because it can take mega zoom images equivalent to 700mm.   I took a few pictures at the Greensboro Science Museum to test it out just using the iA mode (Intelligent Assistant).  The Meerkats were behind glass and not close.  The two headed turtle was also behind glass and managed not to get distracting reflecting my putting lens area close to the glass and then zoomed in to capture a bigger image.   Post processing I just cropped and worked with light and dark sliders.  I did sharpen the Meerkat image to show more texture to their fur.  So far, I am loving this camera.   There is a lot to learn.  I got a manual book about this camera and it is 640 pages.  It can connect to Wi-Fi but will have to figure all that out. 

Spring Wildflowers at Tanger Family Garden - Greensboro, NC

 These are some more plants I photographed at the Tanger Family Garden in Greensboro on the Wildflower Path Easter Sunday. The blossoms on the left are Thalictrum thalictroides, rue anemone, The petals are actually quite small this was a macro image.  The image on the right is Pachysandra procumbens, Alleghany spurge, also called native Pachysandra. It is usally seen in the mountains of Western NC. 

Wildflowers: Bloodroot and Virginia Bluebells

 I was at the Tangir Garden in Greensboro, NC, on Easter Sunday.   There were wildflowers blooming in the designated walk area. The image on the left is Virginia Bluebells which are pink buds that turn to blue as the open. The Lungwort plant is similar but leaves usually are spotted and the blossom a little different shape.  That plant was used medicinally for people having coughs and respiratory ailments--hence that name.  The image on the right is Bloodroot which the American Indians used the root for war paint because of it's bright red color.  Images taken with my iPhone.  It was late afternoon and a shady in this area. Only minor editing in PSE 11. 

Crab Apple Close Up - Imaengine App iOS

 The flowering crab apple is one of my favorite spring blooms.  I know where they are located in my neighborhood and try to catch them early because the blossoms don't last long.   The image on the left is really a still life as I picked some blossoms after the rain and put on a piece of black felt. I could take intio PSE 11 and use paint brush and paint bucket to make the background more black and not see the texture of the felt.  The image on the right I used the iOS app Imaengine. It is fun to use various filters and chose the one for the effect you like.  This filter   gives  the blossoms a more mosaic appearance or an effect similar to a stained glass window.  Love these colors. This would make a very pretty note card either using original or altered image.