I am fascinated by the branching patterns in nature. Our circulatory system, our lungs, the tops and roots of trees, the rivers flowing to the ocean, and the evolution of life itself can be recovered as a branching pattern.
I took this photograph on 17 January, in the local arboretum. The leaf is large, green, glossy. I converted the photograph into black and white to enhance the patterns and shapes. I have also added grain in post-processing to enhance the texture.
Location: UC Davis Arboretum, CA, USA;
Equipment: Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 105mm F2.8, tripod, tripod, speedlight;
Settings: f/18, 1/15s, ISO 220;
Tips: to highlight the shape of the leaf and the veins, and avoid glow, illuminate from behind. I used an off-camera speed light going through a diffuser placed behind the leaf.
It is all about the light 
Beautifully done!! The use of the light from behind really brings out the pattern. And the black and white treatment really focuses me in on the lines/pattern.
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Thank you, Howard.
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This is an excellent abstract close-up, and the shape of the dark hole is interesting in its own right. Like you, I’ve taken advantage of backlighting to reveal the patterns in leaves.
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That’s right, it’s not an original technique, but I am surprised at how many times people, myself included, don’t think of doing it. 😉
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