Tendrils

Tendrils can take on some interesting shapes, especially if they haven't found anything to attach to.
105 Micro Nikkor

Argiope

 One of my favorite Spiders, the black and yellow Argiope, begin to become increasingly prominent this time of year. Also known as Garden Spiders, they grow quite large. One in my garden is over 2.5in long.

Dragonfly

  Been lots of dragonfly's around lately and I just couldn't resist stalking a few. 105 Micro Nikkor Lens

Buckeye Butterfly

 
Though not a real macro, I really like Buckeye Butterflies so I thought I'd share. Taken with a 105 micro Nikkor lens.

Ladybird Beetle

Not much of an introduction needed here. Ladybird Beetles are so common even most children recognize them. No, the spots don't tell the age of the Beetle!
50mm reversed lens

Scarlet Pimpernel

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a ground cover growing only about four inches tall. The Salmon colored flowers are fairly non-descript when seen from a human perspective. But boy was I surprised when I took one and put it under the microscope! 
55mm lens attached to a bellows.

Milkweed Bug

Always thought Milkweed bugs were kind of comical, they often will hide, than come and poke their heads out to see if you are still there. 105 Micro Nikkor

Grasshopper

While Photographing the Deptford pink Flower, I saw this very tiny, about 1/2in. long, Grasshopper sitting on a very hairy leaf. As soon as I saw it I knew it had to be the next focus of my attention. 50mm reversed lens.

Deptford Pink

  Deptford Pink is one of those delicate tiny wildflowers that often goes unnoticed. The flower is usually less than 1/2 in. wide and is found at the top of a tall thin almost grass like plant. Always one of my favorite wildflowers.
  Photo taken with a reversed 50mm lens.

Hoverfly

 I have always been fascinated with Hoverflies. If you sit by some flowers long enough, you will see several species of Hoverflies darting around and hovering before they gently come to rest. They will often land on an extended finger if you stay still long enough.

Henbit

  One of the most beautiful wildflowers is barely 1/4in. long and is considered by most a noxious "weed". In a contest this flower, in my opinion, will hold it's own against any Orchid . Try to look more closely at "the little things".
For more info on Henbit see:  http://ethnobotanist128.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-little-things.html

Garter Snake

 A very beautiful Garter Snake was being harassed by one of my cats. Good thing too, or I never would have known it was there. It stayed really still, so I got a bunch of shots off form different angles and was able to get really close without spooking it.

Sedum

This individual Sedum flower is about 3/8" wide, and when seen up close, it's intricate beauty is apparent  in a way you can't appreciate without getting down to its level.

Preying Mantis

I have always admired the patients of the Preying Mantis. They sit for long periods of time waiting for some unsuspecting insect to wander into striking distance. This one slowly swiveled it's head to stare right into my eyes, just long enough for a portrait shot.

Peonies and Ants

   Ants love Peonies, though the old adage that Peonies need ants to flower turns out to be false. They may benefit from the ants protection as other insects, bent on destruction, will not risk getting eaten. The Ants love the sweet nectar around the edges of the flower petals.

Black Snake

Black Snakes are relatively common in my area. When you get close enough you can see what beautiful animals they are.

Vetch

Another member of the Pea family, Vetch is a ground cover with beautiful pink/purple flowers, that is very common in open areas. This photo was made by combining 6 photos with different points of focus to create a better depth of field than can be achieved with a single photo even if at if shot at F32.

Geranium dissectum

This tiny wild Geranium is very beautiful close-up. The flower, barely visible at human height, is about 1/4in across and has five deeply dissected petals and leaves (hence the name). There are so many wild Geraniums, it took me awhile to key this one out. 

Speedwell

Speedwells are beautiful tiny flowers about 1/4in. wide that are very common in the spring. They often carpet large areas of natural lawn and when you get down and dirty with them you can see their individual beauty.

Taking a Drink

We have gotten enough warm days to see Butterflies once in a while. This Skipper posed just long enough before completely entering the flower for a drink of nectar.

Dewy Morning

I like getting up early on dewy mornings to see what I can find. Though not as sharp as I would have liked, I still like the photo enough to share.

The Ice Melts

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Frosty Morning II

Red Clover Leaf with Ice Crystals

Frosty Morning

 Even in NC we can get Frosty Mornings into April, why not make the best of it! By afternoon it will be 60 and the ice's ephemeral life comes to an end.

Flower on Dime

Sometimes its a good idea to put something familiar in the photo to show size

Insect close-up

Single Droplet

Purple Dead Nettle

Close up of Purple Dead Nettle Flowers. Actual size 5/16"

Close-up or Macro Photography is often challenging and I don't always get the results I would like, but when I do, I am just amazed at the subtle beauty of the Natural world around us.