Tuesday 18 January 2011

Tools of the trade

I was torn between doing some photography and sewing yesterday, so decided to combine the two. I slapped the macro lens on the camera and opened up the tripod.  When the light levels are very low (it was raining all day),  the tripod and the remote control shutter release are essential if you want sharp pictures.
I used manual focus as the depth of field is so shallow -  a centimetre or there abouts - so it is vital that you manually focus on the spot you want, especially when it is a needle.  My eyes are not brilliant and I have a miriad of 'floaters' but a bit of concentration got the results I wanted. Because the pictures are a high resolution I was able to crop them closely around the area I wanted. 'Picasa' now lets you edit your pictures using 'Picnik' which enabled me to add the drop shadow, all very simply done.

'Rotary Cutter'

'Bobbins'

'Topstitch Needle'

'Needle and thread'

I do hope your are enjoying some sunshine as I am here. Chilly, but bright, the best January can get.

Jill

17 comments:

Jane said...

Beautiful blue sky and sunshine here too - lovely after so much gloom and rain. Floaters are distracting aren't they? The rotary cutter photo reminded me of 'familiar things from unusual angles' or whatever they called it on the 1960's family quiz, I wouldn't have recognised it without the caption! Shows my brain has gone slow over the last few weeks.

ju-north said...

Great macro pics! Funnily enough I did exactly the same thing so if you see some macro shots on my blog please know I wasn't copying!

Marigold Jam said...

Love that textile box(?) you are sewing. Your close ups are really good and your snowdrop header is beautiful too. Hope you have had the sunshine today as we have here?

Jane

Crafting Queen said...

Great shots, just love the first one!!!

flutterbycrafter said...

Love the shots, so different, but say so much about you.

Clare Wassermann said...

Well done - you make the most of your time.

Jensters said...

God i dont even know what macro shots are....but the images are stunning.

menopausalmusing said...

Lovely shots, especially that top one. I took a macro shot of my machine needle and presser foot last year, but when I saw it onscreen I couldnt believe HOW dusty and fluffy it was! :O)))

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Sun and blue sky here just now :-)
Those pics are amazing. I can't imagine how many spools you must have as the ones we can see are just one colourway!
Anne xx

JP said...

excellent

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Fab photos Jill. I remember that game Jane was talking about! I'd never have guessed that was a rotary cutter either. It's a great reminder how the 'everyday tings' can be turned into something special or intriguing with a little manipulation. Good to see you multi tasking as usual! Lesley

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Like the pics Jill - the rotary cutter, seen close up as it is, could pass as an interesting sculpture!

MILLY said...

Love the photographs. That is something about using bright colours and cottons, it cheers up the gloomy grey days. I think your boxes are are a wonderful idea.

Emma said...

Good tip re the workshop, thanks. Lovely macro photos - I should get my tripod out more!The dark days are sooo dark but the bright ones a joy.

Wonderful header!

She Who Doodles said...

good, sharp close ups. mine alway seem to be a bit fuzzy. makes a difference with a good camera.

Heloise said...

Great photographs.

Cheryl Goyer said...

Your photography is wonderful. Love the saturated color and your art boxes are beautiful too.