paulthomas1966
FollowViews
2074
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in my flower Photo Challenge
Featured
Contest Finalist in Bright Flowers Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in the backyard of my previous home in East Alton, Illinois.Time
It was taken during the "worst" time of day, around high noon, but in slight shade. There is one thing I believe about photography, even though there are "magic times" to take pictures, I shoot any time of the day. If the need strikes me, I grab the camera and go, even if it is only to the backyard.Lighting
Even though it was mid-day, this flower was in shadow from a Bradford Pear tree.Equipment
It was shot using the Nikon D300. Nikon 80-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 lens handheld at f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 720, at 400mm.Inspiration
The backyard was full of plants, trees, and flowers. I had plenty of those to shoot along with many birds, especially hummingbirds. I always found subjects to photograph in the backyard.Editing
The photo was taken seven years ago so it is difficult to remember exactly, but I am quite sure post processing was done in Photoshop Lightroom 2 & CS3 for a crop, color boost, and slight sharpening at the very least.In my camera bag
I use the Nikon D300, Nikon 18-200mm, Nikon 80-400mm, Nikon 35mm, Nikon SB-800 Speedlight, Nikon MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack/Grip, Manfrotto 3021B Tripod, Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head, Promaster SystemPro NS Monopod.Feedback
Shoot, shoot, then shoot some more. Try different angles and always pay attention to your background. I try to have a plant, bush, other flowers, or something in the background for color. I don't currently have a true macro lens, but I use my 400mm which gives me great shallow depth of field.