One of my favorite subjects to shoot during the winter months are slab cut rocks, which are thin slices of rocks that are polished smooth exposing all kinds of great abstract designs.  Each year I search out companies online that sell these rocks and this year I found “Dandy Slabs”  which is a premier site for rare, high grade and old stock lapidary materials – slabs, rough rock and collector specimens.  You can chekck them out at www.dandyslab.com.

I shot these images using my Tamron 60mm macro lens.  When I’m shooting indoor I like using a short focal length lens and working in close with the subject.

This first rock is a Deschutes Picture Jasper Slab and I liked the rich warm tones and lines.

This part of the rock reminded me of a mountain range, and the bright area on the left is the early morning sun with a large flock of crows in the sky entering the scene.

This second rock is a Laguna Agate Slab.  It has a wild design with some great colors. These slabs are maybe a quarter of an inch think and the designs vary on each side so it gives you more options for compositions.

This is the front side

And here is the same rock but from the opposite side, and a little different look.

So check out sites like Dandy Slabs, and pick up some rocks to shoot.  Don't let Old Man Winter set you back!

You can visit Mike's blog and learn about his workshops here:  Tiny Landscapes

Mike's eBooks are available in the OPG store here:  Mike Moats