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chriswhittier

Mossy Weevil

A spectacular weevil from the forests of central Africa.

A spectacular weevil from the forests of central Africa.
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Canon PowerShot SX230 HS

settings

Aperture 31/10 ISO 100 Shutter 1/30 Focal Length 5000/1000

upload_date

Aug, 2016

Views

636

Likes

+19

Awards

Winner in Out of this World Photo Challenge

Peer Award

Superb Composition

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 2

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this shot in Dzanga-Sangha National Park in the Central African Republic. This weevil was on the strap of a pack in the back of a truck after we'd done a veterinary field procedure with wild gorillas.

Time

This shot was taken in the middle of the afternoon, around 3 pm local time.

Lighting

All natural- as is my norm.

Equipment

I shot this with just a Canon Powershot SX230 HS, handheld, no flash.

Inspiration

The beauty of this magnificent little creature was all the inspiration I needed. I try to spot interesting bugs whenever I'm in the forest but this weevil really stood out with his mossy, ancient appearance and large black eye. He really seemed other-worldly.

Editing

Slightly straightened and cropped about 50% with minor tone adjustments.

In my camera bag

I normally carry just my 5D mkIII and one lens, either Canon 100-400 L or Tamron 150-600. Most days I prefer to be light but sometimes carry my old 5D as back-up. When I'm out shooting wildlife I don't even bother to carry a wide angle lens as my pocket Canon Powershot G9 and even my Lumia phone can both shoot raw files. I do sometimes use my Canon EF 24-70 L lens for landscapes and close-ups and love my Slik tripod, but rarely have the opportunity to use it. I also toy with a circular polarizer sometimes but otherwise avoid filters.

Feedback

Always be on the lookout for the small and beautiful. Even after a day focused on following gorillas and avoiding forest elephants I noticed this little guy. The light was right, he was naturally posed and I snapped a shot. I always try not to manipulate wildlife nor the images I capture of them beyond minor edits.

See more amazing photos, follow chriswhittier

chriswhittier

chriswhittier

Mossy Weevil

A spectacular weevil from the forests of central Africa.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow chriswhittier

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