Small Subjects

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Small Subjects

I’ve always been fascinated by intricate detail to be found in small objects magnified to human scale. The images here are minimalist close-ups of shells collected years ago along the Texas coast. Given my lack of experience with small subjects they came out much better than expected. Sometimes luck smiles on a poor camera jockey.

Shoestring Photography

Times being as uncertain as they are it seemed a good idea to spend as little money as possible to do indoor photography. I found some instructions on YouTube for a close-up / macro cage that is perfectly adaptable to just about any kind of close-up work. It was easy to build with simple materials and a few old tripod parts.

Unfortunately my camera gear did not include a close focusing lens. So I bought a 50mm enlarging lens and helicoid extension. Together they cost about $50.00. The combination turned out to work very well indeed. The lens is old but extremely sharp and the helicoid is just right for close standard focus well into macro of more than 1:1.

With just enough gear to be dangerous and not enough experience to know better more small subjects may pop up in the blog from time to time. These photos were great fun to make.

The Flying Horse

The Flying Horse
Flying Horse - Bandera Texas
A Great Place in the Hill Country

Ask anyone in the Hill Country where to find the Cowboy Capital of the World and they will say Bandera Texas. It’s a small town with a beautiful nineteenth century courthouse and a cast of ‘The Bronco Buster’ by Remington in the middle of town. A few blocks South is the Flying Horse. At least that’s what it looks like to me.

There are plenty of things to do and see in town. Small shops, restaurants and bars are scattered along Main Street. Just remember this is ranching country so the barbecue is excellent and is always beef. Vegetarians won’t starve there is plenty variety for every taste.

Not All Cowboys Ride Horses

The Flying HorseThe hill country in is a great place to ride so Bandera is filled with motorcycles on the weekends.The annual bike rally each spring attracts thousands of riders. The municipal park North of town turns in a huge campground for the better part of a week. There are plenty of beautiful machines and noise but everyone is always friendly.

Don’t like camping and hotels too tame?  Dude Ranch

Free Calendars for the New Year

We are pleased to announce the first photo calendar downloads for 2020. This marks the third series of photo calendars from PhotoTrice.  We hope you enjoy them and don’t forget to tell your friends. 

The calendars are created as secured PDF documents for print or online display. Two date formats are available, North America version with weeks starting on Sunday or World version with weeks starting on Monday. You may distribute them freely as long as the original PhotoTrice logo, website information and copyright notice remain intact.

  • North American calendars have weeks starting on Sunday.
  • International calendars have weeks starting on Monday

Free Photo Calendar Downloads

Download this photo calendar using the links below. They are completely free with no signup  or personal information required. The calendars are published as secured PDF documents that may be printed or displayed as desired.