Crock Of Gold | PARKS AND GARDENS

AS I WAS LEAVING THE MILL FIELD IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

It was very windy and wet when I visited the Botanic Gardens which mad photography very difficult. However, as I was leaving the Mill Field area I noticed a very faint double rainbow which I tried my best to photograph but to show it I had to adjust the files to the extreme.

The Fictional Allure Of A Crock Of Gold

The idea of a crock of gold hidden where the rainbow touches the ground is a classic folktale found mostly in Irish mythology. Here’s what makes it so enduring:

Leprechauns: This mythical treasure is usually linked to leprechauns, mischievous little creatures from Irish folklore. These tricksters are said to be shoemakers who bury their pots of gold at the end of rainbows to keep them safe.

Symbolism of Rainbows: Rainbows themselves are beautiful and ephemeral, often seen as symbols of hope and promise after a storm. The idea of tangible treasure connected to this fleeting beauty adds a magical element.

The Desire for Riches: Whether it’s finding a pot of gold or just getting lucky, many cultures have stories about sudden wealth – the idea appeals to our desire for good fortune.
The Scientific Reality

Unfortunately, the search for that crock of gold is always fruitless. Here’s why:

Optical Illusion: Rainbows aren’t physical objects in a fixed location. They’re a result of sunlight refracting and reflecting within water droplets in the air. The position of a rainbow depends entirely on the viewer’s location relative to the sun and the water droplets.

Shifting Perspective: As you move, the rainbow appears to move with you because the angle of the sunlight, your eyes, and the water droplets changes. This means there’s no single “end” to reach.
No Physical Pot: Even if you could reach the end of a rainbow, there’s nothing there. Rainbows are an illusion of light, not a tangible object or location.

The Enduring Charm

Even though we know the crock of gold is a myth, it doesn’t diminish the fun! The story still serves as:

A Whimsical Tale: It’s enjoyable as a piece of folklore, reminding us about the power of imagination and the playful nature of myths.

Teaching Moment: The “crock of gold” can be a gentle introduction to science for children, explaining how rainbows form and encouraging them to observe the natural world.

Motivator: While the treasure is fictional, the chase for the rainbow can be seen metaphorically. It can represent pursuing our goals and dreams even if the outcome is uncertain.

Photographing rainbows, especially double rainbows, can be challenging due to several factors:

Natural Conditions: Rainbows are formed when sunlight is refracted by water droplets in the atmosphere. This requires specific conditions: a mix of rain and sunshine, with the sun at a low angle (42 degrees or lower relative to the viewer). These conditions can be unpredictable and fleeting, making it difficult to plan for rainbow photography.

Visibility: Rainbows are more likely to appear when the sun is behind you and the rain is in front of you. However, they can be faint or partial, and double rainbows are less common and often fainter than the primary rainbow.

Size: A full, double rainbow can span a large area of the scene. Capturing the entire arc of a double rainbow requires a wide-angle lens.

As for the best lens choice and camera settings:

Lens Choice: A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the whole rainbow. A 24mm lens on a full-frame camera can capture a full rainbow, but it won’t be wide enough for a double rainbow. For a double rainbow, something like a 16-35mm lens is recommended.

Camera Settings:

Aperture: Use a narrow aperture (such as f/8, f/11, and beyond) to achieve plenty of depth of field, which refers to the window of sharpness in your photo. This helps keep both the foreground and the rainbow in focus.
Shutter Speed: Unless the light is strong, you may need to drop the shutter speed to 1/80s or below. A slower shutter speed can lead to blur due to camera shake if you try to shoot handheld. Therefore, using a tripod is recommended.

ISO: Keep the ISO at the minimum (ISO 100 for most cameras) to avoid image-degrading noise.
Remember, these are general guidelines and the exact settings can vary depending on the specific conditions and your creative vision.