Tucson gem show shots

[Richard D]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/Richard2053/GemShow-11.jp2

[Mira]

1. GLORIOUS - to have been there, and to know enough to come back with such

treasures. The amethysts stand out to me because I love Amethyst. The fourth and sixth from the bottom are specific favorites. They all to me show how nature is the very best contemporary artist.
I scroll and scroll and just go nuts with the patterns and colors.
What is the fifth one, if you know? And is it the same as the last one?

Anyway, I hesitate to ask technical questions, but how did you shoot it? What lens?

Thanks, Richard, for bringing these to us.

[Richard D]

3. Thanks!

I didn't note the name on that one. Beautiful colors though. I wish I'd gotten here a few days earlier. Those were all taken in a rush through.

Just using my normal and only lens - oh how I wish I'd had a real macro for this one - a Nikon 18-300. If I come back next year a macro is going to be on my camera and maybe even a double strobe.

Funny story, I was walking through one exhibit and the owner asked me if I was a professional. I said "I am now" and he hired me to take some shots of some of his specimens. Huge geodes, one that had to be about 15 feet high. I'll get a couple rocks in exchange.

I managed to escape just spending 5 dollars for one rock for a friend - chanting the mantra to myself "save for new camera". The temptations were strong though.

[Mira]

4. Yeah for you all the way around. You know what...

ever since you won a contest with the mountain and the road and the rock...I know YOU remember the details better... I have envisioned you with a huge camera and lots of lenses and a singular dedication. Now I learn since my acquisition of two lenses from Craig's list sellers in the last few months I am ahead of YOU in toys but not in knowledge.
:rofl:
You did a beautiful job with the photos.
:thumbsup:

After I do the painting you and I talk about and I procrastinate on we'll sell it and you get a camera.

[Richard D]

6. :-)

And the poor d300 is broken, on top of it all. The rocker switch snapped off a year ago so it's difficult to review the shots I take. there's a d800 in my future, I hope.

[NV Whino]

2. Fabulous!

I love the whimsy of the skulls. Such a cheerful depiction of such a downer motif.

[Mz Pip]

5. The colors are spectacular

I've never been to a gem show. It must be quite an event. The Natural History Museum in NYC has a wonder gem collection but everything is behind glass which makes it hard to photograph. It's great that you could get these pics without glass between.

My favorite is the crystalized chambered nautilus. at least I think that what it is.