Succulents Galore
May 2023
After considering and wanting to get this pint-sized powerhouse of a lens, I finally bought the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM fixed lens — or a prime lens, depending on who you ask. After going into several dramas and some wasted photos, I can conclude this is one of the best purchases I’ve done, so far.
Just as expected, 50mm showcased its reputation by letting me take photos in low-light area with ISO less than 5000 (which, by EOS 6D Mark II standard, is still tolerable but I want as less noise as possible) although I need to work more on its focusing. Just like the good ol’ days, it served the crisp-sharp details I always adore in portraits. Welcome back, zoom-less photo sessions!
The unique, bizarre xerophytic plants exhibited at a semi-private exhibition in Ancol — just a few kilometers from my residence — became the witnesses of my brand-new lens. I have to say, the results amazed me. Or perhaps I was more amazed and bedazzled with these alien-looking plants, that some of them are even not looking like a plant.
I knew this event from Instagram, in an ironic sense (though I do made another account to help me monitor neat events I can visit to add my portfolio, as well as buy crazy-awesome plants) but that didn’t stop me enjoy and indulge the exhibitions. It was a small exhibition, but it felt full for me.
From the geometrical Astrophytum to the plump Ariocarpus and the elusive Welwitschia mirabilis (that genus only has one species) to the curious Pseudolithos (honorable mention to Copiapoa cacti, the mighty inhabitants of Earth’s driest desert, Atacama). To be honest, the list can go on, but of course I need to keep things simple. All said: these succulent plants are something you never thought existed!
The vendors were kind enough to let me stay for quite a long time, as I actually came even before the event opened. I got to learn what it takes to be the collector of the weird and the wacky, that none of them shall ever be taken for granted. Yes, I’m looking at you, Facebook people who claimed ‘cacti are easy plants.’
They go all out. Why can’t I?
