Stormrider

Common Blue

Apr, 2016

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2439

Likes

+716

Awards

Chatter Award

Zenith Award

Top Shot Award 22

Creative Winter Award

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Featured

Contest Finalist in A World Of Yellow Photo Contest

Peer Award

+191

Superb Composition

+116

Top Choice

+90

Absolute Masterpiece

+54

Outstanding Creativity

+27

Magnificent Capture

+23

Superior Skill

+11

All Star

Genius

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Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken on a nature reserve about 15 minutes drive from home. This particular reserve is on a large strip of sand dunes and grassland and so is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, I shoot nearly all of my macros at this location.

Time

I normally head out late in the afternoon for macro work, as the air begins to cool butterflies in particular become less active and are generally looking to settle for the night. This was taken about 30 minutes before sunset.

Lighting

I chose this particular butterfly because it was nicely back-lit, which enabled me to capture the edges or rim of the subject with a nice glow. The orange light of the sun also helped with the warm background.

Equipment

At the time I was using a Canon 60D with a 100mm f/2.8 L Macro, a tripod and a shutter release cable.

Inspiration

I think macro work is some of the most challenging and therefore some off the most rewarding when you pull it off, so in part its the challenge. But ultimately I think finding a subject in superb natural lighting and capturing something of its beauty then sharing it with others gives the most motivation.

Editing

I shot this in RAW format and then processed it in Lightroom. I made a few minor adjustments to saturation and luminance of particular colours. I also pushed the highlights a little to enhance the rim lighting. Other than that just global adjustments to contrast etc, I try to keep it minimal.

In my camera bag

When I'm looking to shoot macro I usually just take the minimum of equipment, camera, lens, tripod, cable release and sometimes I take a reflector made of card wrapped in tinfoil! (No expense spared!)

Feedback

Use a tripod and cable release,and activate mirror lock up on your camera if you want a nice sharp image. Butterflies and insects are usually docile early in the morning and evening, this is arguably the best time to shoot them as they are easy to approach. Try to get your lens parallel to the subject if you want the majority of it in focus, you could try focus stacking but personally I find this laborious and is easier to achieve in a studio environment. Wind and even a slight breeze can make things very difficult, try to avoid it, using your bag as a wind brake can help. Be aware of the background, try to avoid grasses and branches that might disrupt an otherwise smooth background, don't be afraid to take a small pair of scissors to cut down any grass etc that might disrupt the back or foreground, just be careful not to scare your subject. When possible try to fill the background with complimentary colours. Approach carefully, set up your equipment then move it into position, you can make adjustments to composition once the subject becomes comfortable with your presence. Patience and perseverance will pay off sooner or later! Enjoy your time outdoors and the marvel that is creation!

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Stormrider

Stormrider

Common Blue

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Stormrider

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