Phil's photos with the keyword: Close-up

Miniature (50 Centilitre / 18 fluid ounces) bottles of whiskey. Photographed with a tripod-mounted Nikon D500 using the self-timer. Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 G Software: Nikon Capture NX2 and Gimp

A close-up test using a non-macro lens....it took many attempts before I managed to get a good shot without too many reflections. I don't know if this will really "run forever" (as claimed by Argos) but it will probably outlive me.....it has already outlived three watch-straps :-) "A simple yet revolutionary concept: a watch that never needs a battery. Citizen Eco-Drive technology harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy which is stored in a permanently rechargeable lithium-ion cell. It recharges continuously in any kind of light to run forever." (Argos advertisement). www.argos.co.uk/product/9157332 Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED Software: Nikon Capture NX2

Crataegus, commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn or hawberry is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia and North America. The name "hawthorn" was originally applied to the species native to northern Europe, especially the common hawthorn C. monogyna and the unmodified name is often so used in Britain and Ireland. The generic epithet "Crataegus" is derived from the Greek kratos "strength" because of the great strength of the wood and akis "sharp", referring to the thorns of some species. The name haw, originally an Old English term for hedge (from the Anglo-Saxon term haguthorn, "a fence with thorns") also applies to the fruit. (Wikipedia). Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED Software: Nikon Capture NX2

One of the easiest orchids to grow, Phalaenopsis (a.k.a. "Moth Orchid") is a small compact plant which has no "resting period" so it will often stay in flower all year round. Photographed with a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with NIkon Capture NX2.

Spathiphyllum is a genus of about 40 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Araceae and are native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia. Certain species of Spathiphyllum are commonly known as "Spath" or "Peace Lilies". They are evergreen herbaceous perennial plants with large leaves 12–65 cm (4.5-25.5 inches) long and 3–25 cm (1-10 inches) broad. Flowers are produced in a spadix surrounded by a 10–30 cm (4-12 inches) white, yellowish, or greenish spathe. The plant does not need large amounts of light or water to survive and several species are very popular indoor houseplants. It lives best in shade and needs little sunlight to thrive. The soil is best left moist and only needs watering if the soil is dry. The NASA Clean Air Study found that Spathiphyllum cleans indoor air of certain environmental contaminants, including benzene and formaldehyde. (Wikipedia (edited)).

Photographed with a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

The Xun is an ancient Chinese earthenware wind instrument which dates back to Neolithic times. The first one ever to be discovered was found in ruins at Xi'an (situated approx. 560 miles S.W. of Beijing), China and was estimated to be between 7000 - 8000 years old. Jia Pingwa (a Chinese author) described the music played on a Xun as "The sound of the Earth". The Xun comes in many shapes and sizes and with a variable number of finger holes......the one in this photo is approximately 3.25 inches / 80 mm high and has 8 holes (6 front and 2 back for the thumbs). It was given to me yesterday by my friend who has recently returned from a holiday in China.....so far I've only managed to play one note !! More information here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xun_(instrument)

Wild flowers photographed near Pendle Water in Brierfield, Pendle district, in the North-West of England. I'm not sure what these plants are....possibly members of the "Mallow" family (Malvaceae) although the leaves of Mallows are usually more broad and rounded in shape. Photographed with a Nikon D300s camera and a Samyang 135mm f2.0 lens at almost full aperture to separate the flowers from the background. Processed with Nikon Capture NX2 software. (now identified as a Great Willow Herb....thanks to John & Pam).

A close-up portrait photographed from a distance of approximately 1 foot / 0.3 mtrs using a Samyang "super-wide" 10mm manual-focus lens. Camera Nikon D300s and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

The union of English and Scottish thrones. The Union of England and Scotland Act 1603, (full title...... "An Act authorizing certain Commissioners of the realm of England to treat with Commissioners of Scotland, for the weal [an "olde English" word meaning wealth, health & prosperity] of both kingdoms.") was an Act of Parliament of the Parliament of England enacted during the reign of King James I (who was also King James VI of Scotland). It appointed a commission led by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Ellesmere, to meet and negotiate with a commission which would be appointed by the Parliament of Scotland. The aim of the discussions was to look into the possibility of arranging a formal political union between England and Scotland, going beyond the existing Union of Crowns and to report back to Parliament. The commission was not effective, however, and similar subsequent proposals also fell flat. The two kingdoms were eventually united over a century later by the Acts of Union, 1707. This Sterling Silver "Trial" coin (A.K.A. "Test" or "Pattern" coin) was minted in 2003 as one of a number of proposed designs for the British version of the Euro. These coins were made in small quantities, often as "Piedforts" (double the thickness & weight of the standard version) and were not intended for circulation. The coins have been created for a variety of reasons, including sample coins for VIPs and for testing various designs and die cuts in the minting equipment. Photographed with a Sony RX100 camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

The union of English and Scottish thrones. The Union of England and Scotland Act 1603, (full title...... "An Act authorizing certain Commissioners of the realm of England to treat with Commissioners of Scotland, for the weal [an "olde English" word meaning wealth, health & prosperity] of both kingdoms.") was an Act of Parliament of the Parliament of England enacted during the reign of King James I (who was also King James VI of Scotland). It appointed a commission led by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Ellesmere, to meet and negotiate with a commission which would be appointed by the Parliament of Scotland. The aim of the discussions was to look into the possibility of arranging a formal political union between England and Scotland, going beyond the existing Union of Crowns and to report back to Parliament. The commission was not effective, however, and similar subsequent proposals also fell flat. The two kingdoms were eventually united over a century later by the Acts of Union, 1707. This Sterling Silver "Trial" coin (A.K.A. "Test" or "Pattern" coin) was minted in 2003 as one of a number of proposed designs for the British version of the Euro. These coins were made in small quantities, often as "Piedforts" (double the thickness & weight of the standard version) and were not intended for circulation. The coins have been created for a variety of reasons, including sample coins for VIPs and for testing various designs and die cuts in the minting equipment. Photographed with a Sony RX100 camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

In 2002 the UK issued a series of "pattern" coins based on the Euro. The coins were struck at the Heaton Birmingham Mint (which closed in 2003) with permission granted by the UK Government to use a new portrait of HM the Queen. A pattern coin is a coin which has not been approved for release, produced for the purpose of evaluating a proposed coin design and not meant for circulation. They are often produced to proof standard in Gold or Silver and as "Piedforts" (double the thickness and weight of the standard version of a particular coin). They are collected or studied by coin collectors because of their highly-elaborate designs and their rarity....this one is a Sterling Silver Piedfort (one of only 5000 ever made to this specification). Pattern coins have been created for a variety of reasons, including sample coins for VIPs and for testing various designs and die cuts in the minting equipment. Camera: Sony RX100. Processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

In 2002 the UK issued a series of pattern coins based on the Euro. The coins were struck at the Heaton Birmingham Mint (which closed in 2003) with permission granted by the UK Government to use a new portrait of HM the Queen. A pattern coin is a coin which has not been approved for release, produced for the purpose of evaluating a proposed coin design and not meant for circulation. They are often produced to proof standard in Gold or Silver, and as "Piedforts" (with double the thickness and weight of the standard version of a particular coin). They are collected or studied by coin collectors because of their highly-elaborate designs and their rarity....this one is a Sterling Silver Piedfort (one of only 5000 ever made to this specification). Pattern coins have been created for a variety of reasons, including sample coins for VIPs and for testing various designs and die cuts in the minting equipment. Camera: Sony RX100. Processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

The famous Round Table of the Arthurian legend with the names of King Arthur's knights and the sword Excalibur. This medallion, made in 2008, has a diameter of 40mm, is made of "base metal" (non-magnetic, so probably bronze or brass) and plated with Gold and "Fine" Silver. There is a "Mint mark" (next to Sir Geraint's name) which I don't recognize. See the previous photo for the other side of this coin / medallion. Photographed with a Sony RX100 camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

A Gold & Silver-plated medallion depicting the legendary King Arthur of Camelot (see next photo for the reverse view and more details). Photographed with a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

A Gold & Silver coin / medallion issued to commemorate the introduction of the new Euro coinage that was released (except in the UK) into circulation on January 1st 2002. There is a different design for each country on the obverse of the medal (this is the French one.....see further down the page for the other side of this coin) and it depicts scenes and events from French history, a Gold €50 with the names of all the member countries and a Golden portrait of the Goddess Europa. The reverse design (pictured here) is common to all of the coins and depicts a map of Europe. This coin is made of pure ("fine") Silver with 24 carat / karat Gold gilding and weighs 20 grams (0.7 ounces). Photographed with a Sony RX100 camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

In Norse mythology Freyja (Old Norse "Lady") is a Goddess associated with love, sexuality, beauty, fertility, gold, war and death. Freyja is the owner of the fabled necklace Brísingamen. She rides a chariot pulled by two cats or, when not using her chariot, rides the boar Hildisvíni (which is also said to be Freyja's human lover Otta in disguise and is the reason why the God Loki consistently accuses her of being "wanton" by "riding her lover in public"). She possesses a cloak of falcon feathers and, by her husband Óðr, is the mother of two daughters, Hnoss and Gersemi. Along with her brother, father and mother, she is a member of the Vanir. Modern forms of the name include Freya, Freija, Frejya, Freyia, Frøya, Frøjya, Freia, and Freja. Freyja rules over her heavenly afterlife field Fólkvangr and there receives half of those that die in battle.........the other half go to the God Odin's hall, Valhalla. Freyja assists other deities by allowing them to use her feathered cloak, is invoked in matters of fertility and love and is frequently sought after by powerful Jötnar who wish to make her their wife. Freyja's husband, the God Óðr, is frequently absent. She cries tears of amber (or "red gold") for him and constantly searches for him under assumed names. Amber is plentiful in the Scandinavian / Baltic regions and is often referred to as "The Tears of The Goddess". Scholars have theorized about whether Freyja and the Scandinavian Goddess Frigg ultimately stem from a single Goddess common among the Germanic peoples and about her connection to the Valkyries, female battlefield choosers of the slain. Freyja's name appears in numerous place names in Scandinavia with a high concentration in Southern Sweden. Various plants in Scandinavia once bore her name (before they were, apparently, "converted" to Christianity) and rural Scandinavians continued to acknowledge Freyja into the 19th century and beyond. (Wikipedia....edited & shortened). Camera Sony RX100. Processed with Nikon Capture NX2. Cold-cast figurine from Nemesis Now ("Willow Hall" collection).

Morrígan (meaning "Phantom Queen" or "Great Queen") is usually regarded as a Celtic / Irish war Goddess and she has been compared with the Valkyrie / Walkuere of Germanic and Scandinavian origin. Her role often involves premonitions and predictions of a particular warrior's violent death, suggesting a link with the Banshee of later Irish folklore. In certain areas of Ireland this supernatural being is, in addition to the name Banshee, also called Badb (in some versions, Badb and Morrigan are sisters). Her role was not only as a symbol of imminent death but also to influence the outcome of wars and battles. She did this by appearing as a crow or raven flying over the battlefield and would inspire either fear or courage in the hearts of the warriors. She could be heard as a voice among the corpses on a battlefield and, according to some accounts, she would often join in the battle itself as a warrior and show her favouritism in a more direct manner. (Wikipedia...edited & shortened). Photographed with a Sony RX100 camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2. Figurine of Morrigan by Pagan artist & sculptor Neil Sims from South Shields, U.K.