Macro Forest

Wall Screw-moss (Tortula muralis)

In my back garden I have an old sundial which I bought over twenty years ago when I first moved in to my house. Most folk might scrape or scrub off the lichen and moss which grows on it, but I love the effect it gives. It gives it more of a rustic charm, and it kind of has its own micro ecosystem going on atop of it. This is Wall Screw-moss (Tortula muralis) in extreme close up at the limit of my macro lens, and it is often found growing on old walls, concrete and roof tiles, including base-rich rocks. It kind of reminds me of a miniature forest, with trees, shrubs and grasses. Please click images for higher quality resolution.

Wall Screw-moss (Tortula muralis)

Wall Screw-moss (Tortula muralis)

Wall Screw-moss (Tortula muralis)

January 2017, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2017. Camera used Nikon D7200 with Sigma 105mm macro lens.

 

85 thoughts on “Macro Forest”

  1. shoreacres
    Reply

    Just fantastic — in every sense of the word. The last photo reminds me of our ball moss, which has an almost-invisible little flower that I’d never seen until I began photographing the world. The ball moss flower has the same sort of long stem, which you’d never notice until you have a bit in your hand.

    Liked by 6 people

    • Pete Hillman
      Reply

      Thank you, Linda 🙂 I find it amazing even after all these years of interest in the natural world abound, at once you get to focus on something, especially things which we may pass by on our busy routines every day, how really interesting and beautiful things can be. It would be nice to see what your ball moss looks like.

      Liked by 3 people

      • Pete Hillman

        I will look forward to seeing them if you can find them! I don’t tend to tag or catergorize myself. I just keep them all in year then month order, with various folders in each.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Greta DH
    Reply

    Pete, you captured your miniature forest so wonderful. The light, warm colours, composure… I know from my own experience that it is not easy to photograph them so beautiful!

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Vicki
    Reply

    Superb images and just the kind of subject which I find most interesting. Its amazing what nature reveals when we take the time to get down low and really see the tiny details.

    Most people see nothing but inanimate objects around them.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. orangeroseweb
    Reply

    I love nature and the creative arts. It feels refreshing to be connected to your blog (my first nature connection in this space.) Beauty is here!!

    Like

      • Pete Hillman

        I use a Nikon D7200 camera body with a Sigma 105mm macro lens, handheld. At this scale and this close I found only manual will do, so had to teach myself 🙂 Practice and experimentation will win over if you keep at it 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      • lifeofapixelgirl

        Definitely! But also having a good camera and lens like yours can help to make great shots. At the moment I can’t afford a new lens and I am trying to practice with what I have (Nikon D2500 + 18.0-55.0 mm) in manual. Thank you for the inspiration anyway 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      • Pete Hillman

        I have the kit lens like you have and that is pretty good and sharp. It took me years to come out the compact age into the DSLR age, and since then, and especially after getting a macro lens which is my real passion, I have never looked back 🙂 You started good, and will do real good! 🙂

        Like

  23. johnhadden
    Reply

    Hi Pete,
    Many years ago I did a whole series of “Micro Landscapes” involving mosses and lichens. As a kid, I well remember lying in the woods with my eyes (that could focus closely then!) close to patches of mosses and exploring the tiny world it held. Lovely!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. myownbeauty2017
    Reply

    The color combination that came out from nature is unique and pleasing to the eyes. Beautifully done.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. boundbysorequestions.wordpress.com
    Reply

    It looks great.. I’m glad you did not remove it. Your pics are wonderful..To me it almost looks like little flames.. xx

    Liked by 1 person

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