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Plant hopper nymph close y

Plant hopper nymph on the underside of a bud

Plant hopper nymph on the underside of a bud
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NIKON D300

settings

Aperture f/25.0 ISO 200 Shutter 1/60

upload_date

Sep, 2013

Views

668

Likes

+54

Awards

Winner in Shapes from sci-fi movies Photo Challenge

Absolute Masterpiece

Peer Award

Superior Skill

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Jaw Dropping

Exceptional Contrast

Virtuoso

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

The photo was taken in my yard. It is on a zinnia stem. When I 1st saw them (more than 1), I thought it was odd because zinnias don't have thorns. On closer look, the thorns moved. I then took pictures from a distance and then as close as the macro lens would allow.

Time

This was taken in early afternoon on a bright sunny day.

Lighting

The photo was taken with 2, on the lens, flashes. They are for a high aperture to increase depth of field. This aperture also blackens any background out of the immediate light. Exposing by flash, also tends to freeze any movement that a lower shutter speed would allow. Most of my photos are taken with flash, either as the main light or for fill to help eliminate dark areas and shadows.

Equipment

My photos are hand held, but usually with flash, already mentioned. The camera was a Nikon D300 shot with aperture priority. The lens used, my favorite, a Nikon 105 macro. It allows shots from infinity to life size. I also, use the Nikon R1 flash system which can put up to 3 flashes on a ring at the front of the lens. I use 2 flashes. Over time, I have found that a diffuser cap on each flash helps eliminate hot spots in close photos.

Inspiration

I look in my yard (kind of in country) everyday for new and/or different species of primarily plants and insects to shoot. Interested in wildlife photography. Seldom leave my yard, but have shot close-up and macro photos for years. Probably have one of the most photographed yards there is.

Editing

I have used adobe photoshop for years. Yes, my photos are photoshoped, lol. Primarily photos are cropped, contrasted, and sharpened.

In my camera bag

Although, I have a couple other lenses, they are seldom used, unless I know I have a specific situation that my require one. Larger animals, may use a 70-300mm zoom, etc. I have some lens cleaning items such as brush and cloths, extra batteries, spray bottle for instant dew, knee pad and a set of extension tubes. The tubes allow for really close shooting and magnification. Generally, it is a very small bag.

Feedback

When looking for subjects to shoot, hunt for anything different; something might look out of place, wrong or different color, odd movement etc. Look ahead, so you don't scare off something before getting there. If you find a new subject and don't know how spooky it is, start shooting at a distance and work your way closer. I have done this with flash and some insects, such as dragonflies, seemed to get mesmerized by the light and let one get as close as possible. Even if you don't get a close shot, you may have, at least an acceptable photo of the subject.

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Plant hopper nymph close y

Plant hopper nymph on the underside of a bud

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow privy

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