AndyDKemp

Purple Emperor

Purple Emperor (Male) seeking water

Purple Emperor (Male) seeking water
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DMC-FZ300

Aperture 4/1 ISO 100 Shutter 1/400 Focal Length 108/1

upload_date

Aug, 2018

Views

942

Likes

+130

Awards

Zenith Award

Community Choice Award

Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 36

Peer Award

+42

Absolute Masterpiece

+10

Top Choice

+10

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Magnificent Capture

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 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 10 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

The shot was taken on the patio area outside our back door in Brittany, France; And the backdrop, a hanging sculpture of steel rings (there by chance) meant, that with a little contortion of limb I could bring the whole composition together.

Time

During the heat of the day, having just provided fresh water into the dog's bowl nearby, the Purple Emperor sitting on an adjacent plastic container caught my eye, and I dashed in for my camera, hoping it would continue to displaying the beautiful upper wings.

Lighting

With little time to alter camera settings, I had to maneuver and balance myself over the raised stone walling, so as not to cast a shadow (with the high sun) to frame a handheld shot.

Equipment

Extending the Lumix DMC-FZ300 to zoom in while holding steady to keep the composition in an effort so as not to scare him away. Unfortunately he raised his wings (as I arrived) and I only manage to get a couple of shots side on before he flew back to the high Oak trees in our woods.

Inspiration

I typically spend most spare time seeking to photograph wildlife in and around our garden and grabbing unusual shots is always a delight.

Editing

Almost straight from camera, I sharpened the wing tip a little in an effort to extend the Depth of Focus and Dodge and Burnt the background to quieten a bright area top right that was drawing my eye away from the delightful details.

In my camera bag

With my Parkinson's worsening I am quite often taking up the FZ300 rather than the heavier DSLR plus lenses for the 'on the hoof hand held shot'

Feedback

The best advice I can offer for these types of shots is the art of patience and quiet movement.

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AndyDKemp

AndyDKemp

Purple Emperor

Purple Emperor (Male) seeking water

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow AndyDKemp

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