Margaret Rochford, Fountain Playing in the Sunlight (SOFT LIGHT - Entries close 31 May 2026)

This image represents a milestone in my photography journey, marking my first exploration into the world of macro photography. Captured at the Botanic Gardens, I was immediately drawn to the majestic lion fountain, specifically the way the midday sun interacted with the water. Using a Canon EOS 80D with an EF 100mm macro lens, I wanted to isolate the delicate dance of light through the spray. By shooting at 1/8000 sec at f/2.8, I was able to freeze the water droplets in mid-air, transforming a heavy stone sculpture into a scene of ethereal, soft brilliance. The sunlight hitting the water created a glowing, diffused atmosphere that softened the lion’s features, highlighting textures that are often invisible to the naked eye. This experience opened my eyes to the incredible detail and hidden beauty that a macro lens can reveal, turning a fleeting moment of light and water into a permanent, serene study of form.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.