trascoe
FollowAs a challenge for myself I decided to find something photogenic in literally "my own backyard". I was lucky to spot this green anole sunning. ...
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As a challenge for myself I decided to find something photogenic in literally "my own backyard". I was lucky to spot this green anole sunning.
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Awards
Honorable Mention in Depth In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Depth In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Macro Masterpieces Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Celebrating The Green Color Photo Contest
Member Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Freshmen 2016 Photo Contest Vol 2
Featured
Contest Finalist in Earth Day 2016 Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Categories
imagehunter27
January 26, 2017
I love the composition in this picture and the lizard is fabulously sharp with his little feet indicated by shadow. Wonderful!!!
imagehunter27
January 26, 2017
This should have been submitted to Wildlife Photographer of the Year!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in my backyard which is not where I typically go to find inspiring images. I happened to be watering the plants on my back patio and noticed this green anole sitting on top of a large philodendron plant. By the time I decided to run inside to get my camera, it had hidden itself in the leaves. Only after looking around and underneath the plant did I finally spot it again.Time
This was late summer and in the afternoon. I live in Texas and that's not usually the best season for outdoor photography. It's hot and the vegetation is starting to turn brown.Lighting
It was getting overcast that afternoon which is why I went outside to work in the yard. The diffuse lighting turned out being perfect to create some shadows without the harsh contrast of full sun.Equipment
I used a Canon 5D III with a 100 mm f2.8 macro lens. No flash was needed. While I would have preferred the assurance of having the camera on a tripod, it wasn't practical in this case.Inspiration
I had seen other images of small animals silhouetted on leaves and was drawn to how our minds can quickly interpret those shapes accurately with very little information other than the dark outline of a figure. This image was a mix of my love for sharp details in a photo along with the simple shapes and shadows that fill the frame.Editing
I used Lightroom and a little Photoshop to process this image. Primarily I needed to boost the shadows some and add some vibrance back to the lizard's color that was lost in the diffused lighting.In my camera bag
At that time I was using my Canon 5D III for most all of my photos with the exception of birds and distant wildlife- then I'd switch to a Canon 7D II. My go-to lens had been the 24-105 mm f4 Canon lens along with a 17-40 mm f4 for landscapes. I'd bring the Canon 100-400 mm for wildlife and the 100 mm macro if I thought there'd be interesting images to shoot up close. I rarely use a flash and rely on natural lighting usually. My primary tripod is an Induro Grand Turismo which is a nice compromise between being lightweight yet very sturdy. Since the beginning of this year, 2017, I've been trying to move to a lighter kit and have settled on the mirrorless Fujifilm XT-2 and have been pleased so far.Feedback
The biggest revelation to me has been that this simple image that was taken in my own backyard has been one of my most popular photos. I have spent a great deal of time and money on traveling to beautify locations. This includes doing online research to find the best photogenic spots. Yet, this serendipitous scene was literally right under my nose and cost me nothing in travel expense or even gas money. So, my advice to others and a reminder to myself is to not ignore the beauty, mystery, and wonder that surrounds you every day. Your best image may be in your "own backyard".