Citrine Quartz

Citrine Quartz

I became aware of "citrine" last summer when I photographed the Citrine Forktail damselfly.  I was so busy that I did not take time to look it up.  I stumbled into it recently when I looked for "yellow quartz" on Wikipedia.

This quartz is full of impurities not evenly mixed in.  It is not of a quality for making jewelry, obviously.  Wikipedia says that citrine quartz and topaz are virtually indistinguishable, visually, when cut for jewelry.  They do differ in hardness so you could distinguish that way.  Citrin quartz is rare in nature but is produced either from amethysts or smoky quartz.

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Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz

The Rose Quartz, unlike the Milky Quartz, had many features which provide compositional interest.  I have to work my way there since I can see very little of this with the naked eye.  I have created another image of this piece which, to me, has less interest but I still like it.

Rose Quartz

Which do you like better?

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Milky Quartz

Milky Quartz

This piece of milky quartz has few cracks and internal features.  Not even extreme closeup reveals much.

Camera Setup

There was no light on the subject except back light in these shots of the rock assortment.  I used the full set, 68mm, of Kenko extension tubes upon which to mount the Sigma 105mm Macro lens.  Mounted on the front was a Canon 500D closeup filter.  This setup achieved 3.6 X on the sensor.

Not even this setup could generate an image of much interest of Milky Quartz.

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Rock Assortment Closeups

Rock Assortment

I recently decided to do some macro photography using back light (light coming from behind the subject).  I found a few of these rocks upon which to work.

Amethyst

 These rocks were run through a tumbler and they appear and feel smooth.  A closer look reveals them to be anything but.  You can see the clear or opaque quartz.  Amethyst is commonly used in jewelry.  This is not the quality needed for that application.

64ths Of An Inch

I used my Sigma 105mm macro lens mounted on my entire set of Kenko Extension Tubes.  The total extension is 68mm, making the lens able to focus closer up.  I used a Canon 500D close up filter on the front end.  The image above is a of a scale showing 64ths of an inch.  I calculate it to be 3.6X on the sensor.

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Print Mounting Update

Lauan Masked on the Finish Side

I wanted to share additional things about my print mounting.  I have previously mentioned that I am mounting my prints on lauan.  After inspecting the finish side, I mask it off so that paint from the other side will not pool and stick.

Painting Lauan Back

In view of the problems previously discussed, I have started using external latex on the back.  It does not come in mat so I decided to try semi-gloss.  I like it much better.  It creates a moisture impermeable layer.  It is washable and looks better.

Sanding Final Cut Edges

The sanding "block" pictured is a leftover from my model aircraft days.  It is made by Great Planes.  The abrasive has adhesive on the back and stays in place well.  The length provides adequate straight edge sanding to work out the wiggles of the cutting blade.  Once this sanding is complete, I fill the edges with Elmer's Wood Filler.  It is water soluble for cleanup.  I tried masking the print before filling but the masking tape (I tried three types) ruined the appearance of the print so I must be careful while filling and wash the front and back off before the filler sets on either side.  I have found that I need not rush the clean up as long as it is done in a timely fashion.

The result is something I am proud to hand you for your examination.  I wish you could see it.  I have yet to test it in the garage.  When I do, I will report.  I feel confident that it will pass the test.

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Republic F-105 Thunderchief

Republic F-105G Thunderchief at NMUSAF

I tried to think why I did not want to show or print this image.  I think it is because the floor needs to be unshaded in the foreground.  It seems to push back the subject making it less significant.  It is frame filling even though it feels smaller.  I must rework this one.

A Mach 2 capable fighter-bomber capable of most of the bombing missions of the Vietnam War.  It was the followup to the F-100.  The aircraft pictured is the  two seat F-105G variant, Wild Weasel, specializing in suppressions of enemy defenses.

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P-51 Mustang

North American P-51 Mustang

This fighter, fighter/bomber, was a game changer near the end of WW II because of its long range.  It could accompany the bombers all the way to the target thereby cutting loses.  

This shot has the beginnings of my use of the horizon between the background and the floor eliminating distractions and emphasizing the subject.

The Mustang was a WW II, Korean War fighter.  It was a game changer in WW II, helping it end sooner, using its long range to accompany the bombers all the way to the target.

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