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catherinethompson

Beauty in a Bud

Sunflower bud opening in a Manawatu Summer garden, New Zealand.

Sunflower bud opening in a Manawatu Summer garden, New Zealand.
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Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

settings

Aperture f/4 ISO 100 Shutter 1/160 Focal Length 6816/1000

location

Palmerston North, Wellington, NZ

upload_date

Jan, 2020

Views

384

Likes

+12

Awards

Winner in Baby Sunflowers (No Nudes) Photo Challenge

Peer Award

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken in my Summer garden, January, New Zealand.

Time

I am always exploring my garden looking for a different shot from a different perspective. This sunflower bud was just beginning to open and it caught my eye. I took the shot at 11.35am, late morning.

Lighting

It was an overcast day so no sunlight which gave the image depth without shadows and enhanced its symmetry.

Equipment

I used my Canon PowerShot SX60 HS which was hand held for the close up macro shot. 6.816mm f/4 1/160 sec ISO100

Inspiration

My garden is always an inspiration with the changes in seasons offering so many choices for macro photos. So many different flowers and insects, fruit, seeds. This sunflower was a smaller variety and the buds were just beginning to open. I liked the form and shape of this particular bud and the symmetry of the sepals surrounding the center. I also liked the coloring, the lemon and lime combination, with the brighter yellow only hinted at as the bud was beginning to burst open.

Editing

For this particular photo I slightly cropped the outer edge to center the image. The image itself is natural, as taken.

In my camera bag

I always have two cameras with me, this Canon PowerShot SX60 HS and my larger Nikon Coolpix P950. I carry these cameras as they are lighter and I have difficulty lifting heavier cameras and lenses. I like the zoom features on both, the macro and of course my favorite feature on the Nikon, Bird setting. I take many bird photos and paint from these images. I also have attached to one of these cameras my monopod for easy setting up, dropping and locking. Also in the bag are spare batteries for each. I detest finding that great shot and then the camera running out of battery at that exact time. Learned that lesson the hard way. Now always carry spares.

Feedback

I would always say if you like flower and insect photography, nature generally, look close to home, put out seeds and nectar for the birds and enjoy them visiting your garden. Plant flowers that attract birds and insects and wait for the opportunities that arise. Always be on the look out and have a camera at hand. I also go round my garden regularly looking for something different or special. That perfect rose in the perfect position in perfect light. An insect capturing its prey or simply basking in sunlight. A bee drinking nectar and collecting pollen as it goes. A bird family perching together on a branch or an adult feeding it's young. The potential for a great shot is endless.

See more amazing photos, follow catherinethompson

catherinethompson

catherinethompson

Beauty in a Bud

Sunflower bud opening in a Manawatu Summer garden, New Zealand.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow catherinethompson

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