I totally need to practice macro photos

We have more flowers growing by our front door, so I figured I would take my Canon Rebel T7i outside and try to get some interesting shots with the Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set I bought ages ago. 

Well, I couldn't get close enough using a tripod, so I had to hand manage the photos. 

And I failed. 

Try as I might, I didn't get the combinations I wanted, even though I did capture some interesting shots. 

Yes, I used "manual mode" and fiddled around with the exposure. Which is also why I didn't edit the photos either. The sun is setting away from the bush, so everything is getting enshrouded in darkness, plus it's slightly windy out. I made the attempt in Photoshop to sharpen the images, but because they're meant to have some blur in sections due to the way macro is, they came out "okay". 

I also used the stock lens that came with the camera, so there's a combo platter with the photos below.

I think I felt rushed with these because I could have done so much better if I took my time and set everything up properly. They feel cold and look it, for it being close to 80° this afternoon. I do like the way the close up of the over exposed ones came out; they're pretty neat. But otherwise, I know I could have done better. 

I don't like standing outside too long in my neighborhood with my camera. I feel awkward and weird because I have a lot of nosy neighbors who like to cause trouble. Even though I'm taking photos of the flowers at my door, I know they're bound to ask questions. 

As it is, the people who share the walkway, the man likes to attempt to stop us and ask questions about the community, yet, he's an original owner. He doesn't pay attention to the information that gets put out to the residents, so he will ask my mom. Just like a couple other people tend to do. She's made friends with some of the single men on our street, just to say hi and be neighborly. Nothing more. These are the type of neighbors you ask stuff to - what's popular, what's bad. Not the type of people you'd want to really go out and do stuff with because everyone has their own likes and dislikes. It's just enough information from each other to keep everyone sane. 

But yeah, I know I need to practice more at my photos, much like I need proper editing equipment (computer, etcetera). One day I'll have the opportunity and I'll stop making excuses. Haha. 

It's like the other day, I used my iPhone 11 to capture a gecko I inadvertently sucked up into the shop vac when I was cleaning out the AC pipe outside.

I did try to edit myself out (poorly) because I was a reflection in the water. 

I don't know where the dude was, but he wasn't in the bucket when I put it all together. But he showed up and I put him in the flowers so he could find a new home for the moment. Let him literally hang out and dry. Catch a breath and relax. I totally scared the tar out of him because he was breathing quite heavily when he landed on the leaves. 

It's funny how I've been able to get decent photos on my phone, for as much as I don't like using it as my main device. I used to carry a point and shoot around with me everywhere, so maybe I'm used to that type of aspect. Carrying around a camera case with all the accoutrements for a digital camera is hard and you're not welcome in a lot of places sometimes when establishments see such a thing. So having a camera in your pocket can be a good thing, except when you really need to hone in on a bigger unit. 

To each their own, I suppose. 

I guess that's about it for now. Just wanted to do a quick update with some new stuff. 

Hope everyone is safe and well.

Cheers;