A macro.. filter?

Since nature photography is only a hobby for me at this point I can't justify the expense of a macro lens. However I decided to try a "macro-filter".  It came in the mail today and I couldn't wait to try it.  There's some tricks to using it. I got one for my 50mm prime lens, but I would like to try one for my zoomable lenses as well. So here's some photos from around my house (winter).

 Here's the a comparison shot. The one on the left was taken with a shallow Depth of Field, 1.8, The middle with a 4.0 range. The one on the right is taken without the Macro Filter.

 Another comparison shot. The left one with Macro Filter the one on the right with just the 50mm, no filter.

 I love taking pictures of bugs. I did find this to be quite a challenge. With the macro filter you have to move the camera in very close, it helps to be on manual focus, but i was having a hard time finding the ant! I'll have to keep playing with this before spring comes!

 I liked using the 1.8 DOF for the jewelry and scarf pictures, it gave it a dreamy quality. I love how the fibers in the linen are so defined.

So my opinion of the Macro Filter: I think it's a really awesome thing to play around with! I'm really glad I purchased it. And it gives me something to play with until the a Macro Lens fund is started.

Barringer Family at The Rose Garden, Allentown, PA

Another photo session at the beautiful Allentown Rose Garden. We took Maternity Photo's and Madelyn's "One year old" photos. One of the last beautiful days in Fall. November 2012

Tori & Nathan's Wedding at Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA

This summer I got the privilege of taking my sister's wedding photos! It was such a beautiful wedding in such a beautiful natural setting.  My sister and niece were lovely as usual. Nathan and Lee stood handsomely at the end of the aisle waiting for their new family to walk toward them across the bridge.  Congratulations Tori and Nathan!

 I love these!

Fall Family Portraits at the Memorial Rose Garden, Allentown

This Rose Garden is next to Cedar Park in Allentown. What a perfect spot to take fall pictures! To my surprise there were so many different flowers in bloom and willows along the creek. We took Alizah's one-year-old pictures, and took some of the whole family.

Elizabeth + Justin, Jacktown Grove

This Wedding is very special to me because I knew both the Bride and Groom almost their whole life. They are both great friends of mine and I'm so glad they've found happiness with each other!

Andrea + Will, Iron Furnaces, Scranton PA

May 19, 2012

 The Ceremony and Reception were held at Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA.  What a beautiful venue and a great party!

The LOFT at Jack's Barn