AndyDKemp
FollowPurple Emperor (Male) seeking water
Purple Emperor (Male) seeking water
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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.