learning how to see

Since my new camera arrived I have been learning how to use it. This has involved some Lynda training which has increased my knowledge of the technical aspects of lenses, apertures, exposures, etc.
More important, and fun, has been a daily practice - going out with the camera, taking shots, and trying to understand what works, what doesn't, and why.
I'm not going to trouble anyone outside my immediate family with my stumbling steps, but I feel the need to share my excitement with a few images, captured with a couple of the accessories I have invested in...

Telephoto lens...
I am interested in trying to capture details, both close and at a distance.
Last night was a full moon.
Here is the shot:

I love seeing the craters and channels, captured at full 300mm (600mm 35mm equivalent), and drawn out with a little post-processing using Lightroom software.
I have tried to photograph the moon for years.
I think I got a little closer with this image.

Infrared filter...
I was also interested to try infrared photography. This needs a IR filter and a long exposure.
Here are a couple of images of some yellow tulips in our front room.
The first is a straight IR image, and the second is the same image with the red and blue colour channels swapped for a false colour effect.

The long exposure gave a very grainy image. Lightroom used again to smooth things out.
The first image could just be some pink flowers, but the second has an ethereal quality I am really happy with.
Looking forward to trying this out further.