Ring flash love

I received my DIY Photography ring flash kit today!  It took about 15 minutes to assemble (it would take any normal human 5 but I'm anal and meticulous, I even wore gloves so not to finger print the reflector).  Compared to a $300 "true" ring flash this performs like a dream for $25 buckaroos!
I immediately took it for a test drive.  Some quick portraits and then macro.

Magnolia

I got this star magnolia for father's day 4 years ago.  It's a fantastic little thing, it's all bare sticks then suddenly one day in late April I'll look out and it's covered with brilliant white blooms.  No leaves just flowers, and it smells wonderful.  It's kind of a weird root beer scent but it's great.  It's officially spring...finally!
So out come the flash and macro tubes!

...and I had to shoot our easter tulips before they became so depressed that their heads hit the table.

grip

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Preparing for an evening of family, friends, mulled wine, hors d'oeuvres, and good times.

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The last three.  Thanks Todd and Kelly.

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Wow, it's December already and I still haven't given this up or even skipped a day for that matter.  That is just a testament to how stubborn, neurotic, and anal retentive I am.   The snow is flying again and the sun is set before I can get my hands on my camera after work.  If ever I am at a loss for creativity it's now.  Maybe I'll wake Schnebly up to play with me...

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Dexter

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How cool is Romanesco Broccoli?

(very cool...in case you're still wondering)

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Let's play "What Am I?"

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When I was a baby, my mother, who is an extreme arachnophobic, would play the "little spider, big spider" game with me.  This game consisted of her, with a spider-shaped hand, lightly tickling my belly or back while saying softly, "little spider, little spider, little spider...".  Then unexpectedly she would jump her hand up and down, saying gruffly and loudly, "BIG SPIDER, BIG SPIDER!"  I would giggle every time.  

I now love spiders...especially big ones. 

Now if only someone had played "little snake, big snake" with me...

Maevia inclemens or common jumping spider

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Here, have some chocolate.  I had better plans for this chocolate bar but my flash batteries died after one flash and all the remotes have already been robbed.  

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I had to turn off all the fans and hold my breath.

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I had planned on doing some lightpainting or something exciting tonight but a tiny virus is doing it's best to end my life.   I'm sure I'll win in the end but here's a simple flower.

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Yeah, after all that work this doesn't really do much for me either...oh well.
Enjoy :)

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Last day of camping.

We hiked Heart's Content and found a plethora of fungi.