Using a plastic plate for making a dreamy image

I like dark blurry images. For some reason they appeal to me. Like nighttime dreams they are real but not real.

 I recently have been using 6" plastic plates from Walmart in front of my lens to create the blurred effect. These plates are a soft plastic and have bubbles and haze built right in. Depending on how much blur I want, I can stack the plates.

Plastic Plates of Joy

I haven't tried this on other things like flowers but I am sure the effect will be similar. Kind of like a lensbaby, a very cheap lensbaby.

Things I carry with me on a photoshoot

We all have things we like to take on every photo shoot. If I am going further than my own yard - I like to take the following items in addition to my camera and lenses.

 

1) Rocket Blower - This duster is shaped like a rocket, and happily sits on its fins when not in use. It also fits nicely into a camera bag. I use this to blow off the mirrors and sensors inside the camera. Also, a quick blow on the outside of a lens will remove most dust without using a cloth. Not good for fingerprints. (Giottos)

 

2) Heat pad - I use a small heating pad, those filled with magic beads, as a steady rest/prop for my camera when doing macro photography. Much like the 9"x12" model shown here: Thermalon.
The pads conform to rough terrain and make a stable, clean rest for the camera. You can also use them for sore muscles.

 

3) Off camera flash - I have a Metz 48 flash which I use with a Manfrotto flash bracket. I use the flash for fill quite a bit. I have a homemade diffuser made from a plastic tub and some wax paper. It softens the light nicely.

 

4) Extra batteries for camera and flash. We all know the benefit of extra batteries.

 

5) Extra memory cards.