That's some serious equipment & a breathtakingly gorgeous image you've captured!

Ty for sharing!

I'm so used to my equipment that I no longer think of it as something serious. But I've been where you are, and I understand how all of this looks to you.

And I have a lot to learn yet about true macro photography--but I'm working on it!

Thank you for your very kind comments!

It's an online used book store. They have plenty of cheap books on macro photography as well as all other types of photography.
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?ds=20&kn=macro%20photography%20book&sts=t

Andy was always trying to encourage me to try new things and it has been awhile since I've felt like doing them. Grief has a way of stopping you in your tracks.

But now I'm better and I know he would be so pleased.

Every now and then I feel like trying something new. It's fun as well as frustrating! But that's how I learn.

For a gallery soon! The DU gallery is always open and enjoying your progress 🌺

Mighty purty!

It's my birthstone, and yes, mighty purty!

between my mind and the camera, the translation gets lost. My own grandchildren say "don't let Grandma take the pictures".

Success on the first try!

We want more.

I took about 15 photos, so no, this was not on the first try, by a long shot!

Every photo I took yesterday reminded me that I have a lot to learn. There will be more! Not sure when.

I really appreciate your support!

This was during the film era.

His best advice was to take 100 photos and throw 99 of them away. I'm not very good at following his advice!

It was an effort but definitely worth doing. I look forward to the time when I experience much clearer results!

Thank you!

And with great results I'll add.

Learning new photographic skills often highlights our vulnerabilities! But I trust all my friends here to be supportive as I work to become more skilled.

You are too kind, and I really appreciate it!

I worked for this one, believe me! It feels good to stretch while I'm learning new stuff.

For sure it was a lot of work. And it was also definitely worth it!

I should get a box like that.

Nice tripod. Is it a Benro?

The light box is a great tool. I don't use it a lot, but now and then it gives me just what I want.

And yes, the tripod is a Benro. My receipt says "Benro Tortoise Columnless Carbon Fiber 2 Series Tripod w/ GX30 Ball Head."

Nice and light, with so many things to manipulate that I'm still learning it!

It wasn't cheap. Paul's Photo in Torrance sold it to me; it cost $400. That included the tax.