Hairy Balls

Image Critiques Macro/Close-up Critiques
1

Plant

Hairy Balls
Hairy Balls2713×3020 791 KB

Yes, the name really is “Hairy Balls”, they have a few names apparently.

Alternate Names:

  • Balloon plant
  • Balloon Cotton Bush
  • Bishop’s Balls
  • Nailhead (where did that one come from?)
  • Swan plant.

There were a few of these that were solid green (also in pairs) but I noticed this pair hiding in the bush about three weeks ago.
I really didn’t punch up the colors much, the sun shining through the leaves made these balls glow.

Specific Feedback Requested

Any feedback and/or comments welcome.

Technical Details

A7R IV, 1/400s, ISO 1600, Manual 70-210 Macro lens @210mm (I don’t recall the aperture opening but it was likely f16), LR, PS

2

The title cracks me up, Merv. Very cool image. Pretty much all of it’s sharp too so well done.

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Thanks, David
Ya know… some things don’t really have to be in sharp focus all the way through :smiley:

4

How weird. I saw something similar this summer and my friend and I called them Spiky Wisconsin Balls. They were longer, more bean shaped, and green.

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5

Merv, I never heard of any of the names, nor as I recall, ever seen any of these. Very interesting.

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6

Very cool photo, never seen this one before. Nice and sharp.

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7

Hi Kris,
I looked that up and found something similar to your description, they may have been from a Sweet Gum tree? (some sites do refer to them as Spiky Wisconsin Balls) Link to website with photos here: Spiny Seed Pods
There are lots of seed pods that look similar.

Same here, Shirley,
I was surprised that the first name I saw was Hairy Balls. I found them interesting even before knowing the names :slight_smile:

Same here, Dean, It’s always cool to see something like this for the first time.
I was a little surprised at how sharp that 45 year old manual macro lens is with a modern digital camera. I keep it in my backpack.

Thanks to all for the comments! :slight_smile:

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Old macro lenses can be amazing. I used one for over 10 years on three digital bodies. Finally it needed to go for repair and the guy told me he couldn’t fix it again - the aperture ring gearing was literally being worn to nothing. So I bought a system lens for my camera and now I only use the manual one sparingly.

If you don’t mind my parking this here -

Kristen_SmithSeptember 02, 2022P1106192
Kristen_SmithSeptember 02, 2022P11061921500×2000 737 KB

This is what I saw and I believe it’s a wild cucumber, more affectionately known as Spiky Wisconsin Balls.

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9

Gotcha,
I made a mistake when I referred to the one in the link I provided as being from a Sweet Gum tree.
After looking closer, the article doesn’t match the illustrated image (it was just a generic illustration of a Spiny Seed Pod). That’s what I get for skimming through an article but I’m always willing to admit my mistakes. :slight_smile:
The image you posted looks like the one in the article and I think you’re right with the Wild Cucumber ID.
I appreciate the photo you posted.
The leaf in the image you posted looks similar to a Sweet Gum but it’s not, it’s also similar to a Maple leaf but it’s not. :slight_smile:

I had to disassemble my old macro lens because the aperture ring lubricant was stiff and sticky, I replaced the lubricant with modern lubricant and I’m sure it will outlast me for sure.
I bought that lens in the early 80s so I’m surprised the lubricant lasted as long as it did.
That lens produces a unique look that I like, it’s almost a “Retro” look.

Thanks, Kris! :slight_smile: