I thought it was some sort of hail damage or insects When I looked really closely I saw the blooms.

True Thumbnail view

Wow that is amazing Sister. I didn't even know they would have a flower.

Okay, get out your tripod, or a box, chair or some such object that you can place your camera on. Then take another photo. I think you have the shaking hand syndrome, same syndrome I have.
That will give us a much clearer picture so we can see detail on the precious little bloom. Can you tell I'm excited about that tiny flower?

I am afraid it has more to do with the capabilities of my camera. I wish I could get a clearer picture. I will try but .....

Bet you can.

Too late. The sun has gone down behind the mountains cutting off the light. And the smoke is still cutting off my breathing ..... I will try tomorrow, hope the little beauties are still there.

So you are getting smoke from the fires? Is it very bad? How are all the other Colorado ATP members doing? Hope they aren't in harms way.

Yes and now there are fires to the southwest as well as Northwest.

The smoke is just enough to be a real annoyance, burning eyes and nose and throat. I am very sensitive to smoke so I may be more aware than others.

The last time I heard, others were not badly affected, have not checked for a day or three. The heat is awful about 98 today. I think that is hard on everyone.

The ATP members I know don't seem to be in the fires path but everyone is getting some smoke.
:thumbsdown:

Hope the others check in so we can know how they fare.....

Stay safe Sister.

Took another with camera stabilized using chair, book and tripod. (actually took about a couple dozen) but this was the best I could do. I used settings for closeup, ultra closeup, zoom, shaky hand tool, portrait, and many variations on my little Olympus FE-310 purchased about 3 or 4 years ago as a lightweight point and shoot. Which is my preference as I am not adept at photographic technology.



Don't ask me which of the settings actually was used for this one. A better camera is on my wish list.

Suggestions???, for my purposes I need to stay under $375. if possible. I know that is asking a lot, but just maybe someone can help me or point me in the right direction.

Go to a place like Best Buy and try out this camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1.
Sandnsea (Janice) has one and she gets spectacular close up photos.
http://www.amazon.com/Panasoni...

Also look into the Sony point and shoot cameras. Be sure you get 16 to 18 MP.

Don't buy the first thing they show you. Really have fun playing with them in the store. Getting a feel for the one that is easiest for you to handle and takes the best photos.

Kind of like shopping for a new car.
If they aren't patient and helpful, go some where else to shop.
Take some one with you. Make it a day, have lunch. It will be a wonderful adventure.

Thanks

when I get a few extra $$$ I will look at them. It took me 3 years to buy my last car......

So I may not get to it right away.

Wish I could come shop with you for it. But I can't stay 3 years.

My 2 cents: I've had the predecessor Panasonic Lumix to the one Lynn suggested for 6 years. It's been an excellent camera for a "point & shoot" and because it has 2.8 focal length it's great for closeups of plants.

It's not just the megapixels that matter; the quality of the lens is even more important. Mine is "only" 5 mp as is my phone's camera, but the difference in quality is astounding and it boils down to the lens.

So test those cameras with closeups and find the best quality lens for what you most want to shoot. So what if it takes 3 years

BTW, the Foxtail Fern is in the Lily family and consistently blooms in my neck of the woods. Makes little red berries too. The regular Asparagus sprengeri also flowers and berries, and is quite aggressive in spreading itself about.

Good advice on the camera Monica. I didn't think about the differences in lens.

Thanks, for your suggestions. I will try to acquaint myself with lens knowledge before I start to shop. I think this one shows 1/3 f3.3 and 1/2 F3.3 when I shoot something macro and super macro. Don't know what that means but will try to understand.

That is why it is a good idea, as Monica pointed out, to test drive/shoot before buying. That way you will also get a feel for ease of use and quality of photo.