gregoryschultz
FollowClose-up view of a chain link.
Close-up view of a chain link.
Read less
Read less
Views
1837
Likes
Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Contest Finalist in Textures Around Us Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Macro Still Life Photo Contest
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Genius
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo while taking a photography class back in the summer of 1999 at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (Kalamazoo, Michigan).Time
The photo was taken during the evening—probably around 7pm or so. The class was an evening class, and this was taken during a break in the class to find subjects for macro photography.Lighting
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a beautiful building with a fantastic, bright atrium that is perfect for art displays. Summers in Michigan provide for very long days with sunsets occurring after 9pm (specifically at 9:23pm that night, 29 June 1999), so there was plenty of natural light during class such that there was no need for flash.Equipment
This was actually taken with a Canon Rebel G 35mm camera—obviously, back in 1999, film still dominated—with a Sigma 70-300mm DL Macro lens, and a 6x macro lens. It was shot on Kodak Elite EC100 film.Inspiration
As part of the class that evening, we were tasked with going around the institute to find subjects for macro photography. After wandering around for a little while, I came upon this chain and gear as part of an art display. I was drawn to the grease, grime, and metal flakes caked in the chain link, calling to mind the years of service that chain link probably provided, tirelessly working for its owner's benefit.Editing
I did very little in the way of post-processing—just enough color/lighting adjustment in Photoshop to get the colors to more accurately represent reality.In my camera bag
Since my day job is not that of a photographer, and I have a family whose needs come before this rather expensive hobby, I still don't have much in the way of an exciting bag of photographic equipment. These days, I use a Canon Rebel T4i with a Sigma 70-300mm lens, a 22-55mm lens, and a 35-80mm lens. Though not in the bag, I use my Bogen Manfrotto tripod whenever possible.Feedback
There is much artistry in the very small details around us, from the lines on an orchid cactus petal to the grime on a chain link. It is always worth slowly moving through a scene and paying close attention to every detail; it just may be the seemingly innocuous, mundane object that catches your eye in a new way.