Hairy Seed Pod Thingy

[Paul Lange]

I have tried to find out what this is but so far I have been unsuccessful. Therefore the title will have to be "Hairy Seed Pod Thingy" Of course in a perfect world my naming convention would see uptake with the top authorities in botanical circles. I saw that Pete had finally got round to photographing his collection of interesting see pods with some impressive results. Last Sunday I found an interesting seed pod of my own that was too nice just to leave behind so I bought it home and photographed it. Not having much experience in this sort of thing I chose a fairly modest set up (actually its pretty much the only one I have but don't tell anyone). Just a flashgun set on manual and connected to the camera by a lead, some black velour fabric and a reflector. I wanted to experiment with some diffusers but I couldn't find where I left them last (and still can't).

At the moment I have settled on these two as being the best.


Hairy Seed Pod (14 of 88)-Edit-2.jpg by Paul R Lange, on Flickr


Hairy Seed Pod (39 of 88)-Edit.jpg by Paul R Lange, on Flickr

 

[Pete Askew]

Seedpod envy strikes the forum! I really like this Paul, especially the way the fine hairs have ben picked out. The lighting has worked and the dark background works a treat (and is similar to what I used). By the way, it is the seedpod of a Clematis.

 

[Glenn Clabo]

Wow! I think that's the finest Hairy Seed Pod Thingee I've ever seen. It looks more like fine feathers. Nice work.

 

[Paul Lange]

Thanks for the comments. I thought it was a Clematis but the only picture that I found that seemed to match was very low res and when I checked other images on the web they seemed different. They did have a similar configuration in that the seeds had the long hairy tails. I guess this the distinguishing thing about the various Clematis?

 

[Beth Carter]

better hang on to it in case you start to go bald in your later years. would make a lovely toupee.

the lighting shows the hairs off perfectly.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Amazing detail - nicely done

Who knew there was so much in something so small

 

[Brian Moore]

Is it not a shrunken head from the Amazon?

Nice shot, Paul. Lighting is very good.

 

[Dave Moss]

Love them Paul think my next lens will be a macro

 

[Paul Lange]

Thanks, If you look into buying one just make sure it is a 1:1 true macro lens. Many lenses say "macro" but this just means they are capable of focusing down to a few inches from the lens. I only have experience of the Nikon 85mm AFS 3.5G which is what I used to take these.

Unfortunately it is not a shrunken head Brian. I did ask for some at Xmas but apparently it is not normal to want them or so I am told. Doesn't everyone have shrunken heads hanging over their front door?

 

[Pete Askew]

They sell shrunken heads on Amazon?! Damn, I never thought to look there!