On Oct 19, 2005, at 4:56 AM, Don Williams wrote:
In case anyone is interested it ain't a seedling. It has bark and leaf scars. Probably two years old -- maybe more.
I called it a seedling because of its very small size (and because I didn't know better). Trees in the forest tend to grow extremely slowly until a hole appears in the canopy, at which point it becomes a mad rush to reach the light. I'll rename the photo to "Sapling" and update the comments accordingly.
Come to think of it, I don't think this was shot with the macro lens... I was probably using a 55mm on a 2x TC. While I'm updating the database entry I'll change that as well :)
Regarding the busy background and the focus, I do agree with those who commented. Unfortunately I was in too limited a situation at the time. Focussing on the front of the leaves would have left the trunk out of focus. I couldn't stop down because I was shooting wide open (handheld under the forest canopy). Getting the plane of focus in the right place probably would have ruined the shot.
I actually had this printed at 10x15" a few years ago, with the intention of framing it. That pic, along with another I liked, is still sitting in its wrapper... I might frame them both myself when I get the time.
Thanks to all who commented. Cheers, - Dave
