It seems like it was only last week we were getting violent storms, snow flurries and frost. Then suddenly there was enough sun to send me to my garden for the day. More amazingly, there was enough sun to actually burn the back of my neck while I put up a fence! (Yep, that's right. Not only do I attempt to take photographs, I also attempt DIY). Maybe I'll combine things and take a photo of my fence one day...

In amongst my DIY madness, I encountered a couple of interesting flowers at my Dads house. As usual, I'm not as happy with these photos as I'd like. Annoyingly I think it's going to be a theme with flowers and the summer.

(F/5.6, 1/320sec, 200mm, ISO-100, 27/04/08)

I'm getting increasingly frustrated with my attempts at Macro photography. I think there are a couple of reasons for this.

Firstly, the lens I'm using, a Tamron 55-200 Macro that I got as part of the camera kit. Now don't get me wrong, it's a nice little lens for £70 or so. I just don't think it's as sharp or macro-esque as a dedicated lens.

Secondly, that 484rc2 ball head I bought recently. (The one I talked about here). There seems to be a little drift in it as you lock the head in place. You spend time getting the centre of your image dead centre in the view finder, you twist the lock bolt and it all slides ever so slightly out. Again, I know from various reviews and how-to's that I've read that say a ball head is not great for Macro photography.. But I'm hardly trying to photograph the head of a fly here!

Anyone any advice?