A month or two ago I wrote a blog post about how beautiful Banksias are. Last month I was in Perth doing fieldwork and saw some even more beautiful Banksias. I just had to write another blog post about my new favourite plant, Banksia menziesii.
Read MoreBanksia up close
Banksia flowers are actually hundreds of tiny flowers grouped together. As the Banksia 'candles' age, they form multiple hard, woody fruits known as follicles. These hard woody fruits act as a protection for the seeds inside. In many species, the follicles are so tough that they require fire to break them open, and release the seeds. Many Banksias flower during autumn and winter, often at a time when not much else is flowering.
Read MoreMy PhD will be on...
In my last post I wrote about the first month of my PhD experience, about getting all the paperwork in order, about the enormity of planning for the next four years. So what am I actually studying?
In short, orchids and fungus gnats! Yep, fungus gnats. Let me explain.
Read MoreA Study in Sunray
A good way to make your subject stand out is to create an even background with no distracting colours or patterns. This can be done in a few different ways. Perhaps the simplest way is to use the physics of the lens you have to blur the background behind your subject. Telephoto lenses and macro lens when focused close can achieve this. Alternatively, you can create a white or black background to add some contrast and drama to your image. This can be done by over-exposing or under-exposing your background, or by using a prop in the background (such as a white sheet of paper or a black object).
Read MoreThe royal bluebell
Writing the previous blog post about Wahlenbergia from photographs taken almost a year ago actually inspired me to photograph more. While writing it, I realised I didn't have any good photos of Wahlenbergia gloriosa, the royal bluebell. And why the royal bluebell? Because it is the floral emblem of the ACT.
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