mariannaarmata

public transit?

a grey tree frog takes a ride on a garden snail = public transit... low and slow...

a grey tree frog takes a ride on a garden snail = public transit... low and slow...
Read less

DMC-GH4

Aperture f/5 ISO 800 Shutter 1/160 Focal Length 600/10

upload_date

Aug, 2015

Views

1232

Likes

+339

Awards

Zenith Award

Featured

Staff Favorite

Peer Award

+109

Top Choice

+37

Superb Composition

+37

Outstanding Creativity

+31

Absolute Masterpiece

+29

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Superior Skill

Emotions

Impressed

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo on Ile Bizard, just northwest of the Island of Montreal, Quebec. The frog is approx. half an inch long so it's impossible to spot unless you know where to find it. It was only because my husband chanced upon a videographer poised on the side of the road and inquired as to what he was shooting. The green frogs were so tiny they were perfectly camouflaged on the green leaves they were sleeping on. I have been returning to the same spot to photograph these cuties for the past 3 years since. The snail is from a local Centennial Park in Roxboro, Quebec, and a willing victim for my photo shoot. He was returned home right after some fun with the froggie.

Time

My favourite time of the day to shoot is late afternoon when the light is soft.

Lighting

I prefer simple set ups and almost never use a flash for my macro work. For the snail and frog shot I used available afternoon daylight and a simple circular white reflector.

Equipment

I used my mirrorless Panasonic Lumix GH4 + Olympus 60mm f2.4 macro lens. My favourite setup for macro shots. Because the snail moves quickly, in macro world, I could not use a tripod but instead shot hand-held and followed its progress.

Inspiration

I have been shooting both snails and frogs, two of my favourite macro subjects with a "high cuteness factor" for years, but always separately. One day it occurred to me that the frog may be a willing victim of an idea I had to combine the two. I collected the snail from a local park, then went to my frog spot to find a nice green frog. Took the two home and shot them in my backyard, then returned each to its place of origin.

Editing

I edit my photos through Photoshop CS6 on a 27" Mac. I did a bit of a clean-up of imperfections but otherwise it's pretty much the way it was shot.

In my camera bag

I carry my Panasonic Lumix GH4 + Olympus 60mm f2.4 macro lens, Lumix lenses: 14-140mm f3.5; 100-300mm f4.0, Lumix-Leica 25mm f1.4, + 2 extension tubes + Gitzo tripod for macros. I rarely use the tripod in the day time since I find it locks me into a set position, while I like to shoot the same subject from many angles.

Feedback

I love experimenting with my photography and will find a subject and explore its possibilities from different angles and lighting options. Don't ever be satisfied with one shot, in our digital world it's easy to shoot more and delete the extras. If you have an idea - take the time to push it to its limits. As for shooting fast moving subjects in a macro world, like bugs or frogs, take the shots with lots of available light, a reflector is useful, use a shallow depth of focus by setting your lens to its widest aperture, and devote lots of time and patience for a successful result. And last but not least: Have Fun!

See more amazing photos, follow mariannaarmata

mariannaarmata

mariannaarmata

public transit?

a grey tree frog takes a ride on a garden snail = public transit... low and slow...

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow mariannaarmata

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.