Macro-in-a-Mason Jar

Wow, try saying that five times fast!

I've been saying it over and over since I first heard of the contest being sponsored at Gardening Gone Wild. It's a rather catchy phrase, quirky sounding, even. David Perry, the judge for this months contest, is known for his brilliant creations and concoctions on A Photographer's Garden Blog. But what does it mean, this 'm-i-a-m-j'? Well, exactly what it implies. Placing and photographing something (or some 'things') in a mason jar (or other similar glass container). Theoretically any camera can be used as long as it is capable of balancing the camera on the rim of the jar (or glass container) with the lens inside when in the 'on' mode. This method allows us to use a point and shoot camera, to create a 'macro view' that might be just as nice--or better--than what a more expensive macro lens on a more expensive digital camera might be able to produce using a tripod. Of course, David allows SLR cameras with macro lenses to be used in the contest, too, so it's up to each person to come up with their own plan. But I thought I'd try my point 'n shoot for this experiment, to utilize the little 'flower' symbol that serves as the macro setting...a setting I have to admit I had never tried before!

This past Tuesday was the day I chose to do some experimentation with this concept. It was an icy day outside as we'd had some sleet and freezing rain during the night, and everything was in a slightly frozen state. I had spent some time earlier taking some icy photos for a post entitled Now That's an 'ice Picture! I gathered up some goodies from the yard (ie): rose hips, nandina berries, dried agastache, echinacea and rose blooms and some acorns.

This is the glass canister that I first used to collect the garden materials...I've only included it here for  continuity.

I didn't do any particular arranging once inside the mason jar...I simply dropped the stuff in. One thing I did do, however, was place the jar in a blue glass bowl, filled with water. I was curious about the effect I might get. Around the edges of the container I placed the dried agastache blooms, some of the berries and rose petals.

I shot photos from various angles above and from the sides, first using my SLR camera with the regular--not the macro--lens attached. I never did actually think to try this using my large macro lens...that might have been interesting to compare.

Then I took shots using the Canon point 'n shoot. I varied what was placed underneath the jar and bowl just to see what results I could get. (I never thought to do that when I was using the SLR camera, so again, can't really do a full comparison).

Here, the mason jar is placed in the bowl filled with water and plant material, resting on a red place mat:

Here is the mason jar alone, on the counter top:

And here, the mason jar has been placed on an orangey/red Fiesta Ware plate:

Finally--the shot that my daughter told me looks the best, and which I at first chose as my entry in the contest-- the mason jar sitting on top of the red place mat. I had a hard time making a decision so I thought if I asked my daughter, it might help me.

My daughter nudged me toward this photo (above)...

...but I finally had to go back and choose this photo (above) because it was originally my intent to include the blue bowl  filled with water, and I want to be true to that. *I do think the lighting could have been improved in this one, however.

There is still time to try this out for yourself and contribute your work...the deadline isn't until midnight on January 24th...this coming Monday. Even if you aren't inclined to try it, you owe it to yourself to check out the extremely creative submissions at the Gardening Gone Wild website. It's always fun and entertaining, as well as a true educational experience, to visit!

Today I'm thankful to have had my daughter home from college for the weekend, as she helped me to think about my 'intent' for this project.

1/30/11: Congrat's to the winners! (I consider them all winners). I always find it interesting to see things from a judge's perspective.

Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble

Written by Jan @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/ Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.