Arrow of Life by Neil Taylor

Monday, 18th June 2007

Arrow of Life

by Neil Taylor

I took dozens of shots to get this. The DOF was barely deeper than the thickness of the leaf.
I cropped the picture to give the impression of an arrow, so the shape is defined by the veins rather than the leaf edges. I loved the way the pattern of the veins with the colour apparently draining out of (or possibly into) the arrow through the tip accentuated the arrow shape and hinted at the cycle of life.

Equipment: Nikon D70, 50mm lens, BRIGHT sunlight

Neil Taylor

Recently went pro as a wedding photographer. I enjoy taking scenic shots but my favourite is to get interesting human expressions.

ntpix.com

14 Comments

Anurag Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Excellent Shot, a perfect example of how the best subjects are in your own back yard. BTW did you use any close up lense/ extension tube over your 50mm?
Eli Shams Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Quite inspiring close up. In fact, the first thing that came to my mind was a view of a big city seen from a plane, veins beeing avenue, smaller one streets… Excellent work, it worth all the efforts you did to get it.
poster boy Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 11:04 am
lovely colours and detail - great macro picture!
Karen Gwinner Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Great comment Eli Shams, that is exactly what I was thinking! Awesome shot and title. Thanks for sharing.
Neil Taylor Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
To anurag; no extra lenses. The 50mm lens is a macro lens. I had the camera on a light tripod and held the leaf a few inches in front of the lens with the camera on autofocus and the sun directly behind the leaf. Even then most of my pictures were out of focus because any slight movement between AF locking in and the camera reacting took it out of the DOF. I nearly gave up in frustration. Very glad I was using digital.
Paul Indigo Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Gorgeous colours.
Photo Buffet Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
You’ve captured a beautiful macro there, Neil. Leaves are great subjects at any season, I think. I like the title & analogy that goes along with this photos. Nice work!
EST Says:
June 18th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Although it’s repetative: Very beautiful - and nice title!
k libby Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 12:13 am
Love the title - very creative in relation to the image.
Pauline Jones Says:
June 20th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I take lots of macro shots myself; I know they’re not easy
Matt Burrard-Lucas Says:
June 21st, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I especially like the vivid colours in this image and the fine structure of the leaf! Great work.
Renee Says:
June 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
The colors are incredible! Congrats
Lakshmi Says:
June 19th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
This is awesome!! A great graphic composition and colours to die for!!
su Says:
June 17th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Refreshingly different shot, love macro shots, they are so imageanative.