Photo
Sep, 2023Views
199
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Awards
Winter 23 Award
Top Pick 2023
Peer Award
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in sunny spot in my mothers garden, not far from the backwaters and sea wall at Lough Foyle. It’s one of my favourite places to explore garden wildlife with its many colourful birds and bugs that have made it their sanctuary as it is exploding with leafy and flowering and plants. This dragonfly was never very far from the garden which has a humid environment and a nearby stream.Time
This photo was taken late in the morning to early afternoon, the sun was unusually strong for this time of day, but it helped illumine the dragonfly it the dense leafy resting spot.Lighting
There was enough natural light and warmth both that the dragonfly remained still basking in the heat and that I didn’t need to light the scene to capture the detail.Equipment
I used my almost pocketable Sony a6000, my Prakticar 28mm 2.8 lens with a KF adapter. It’s not a typical lens for this kind of shot, so I had to get super close. As I always say though, the best equipment it the equipment you have with you.Inspiration
Dragonflies are usually flitting about and aren’t always at hand when your camera is in hand. So when one lands nearby and doesn’t mind you standing extremely close, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. I am always mesmerised by their flight, size, colours and exaggerated features.Editing
I try to do as little processing as possible, I like a 4/3 look and I adjust lighting and colours to be as natural as possible. I’m this case I desaturated the image as I liked the lighting and distraction free quality of black and white for this image.In my camera bag
Usually very little and with reason. It forces me to keep things simple so I focus on taking the picture. I like a light setup that I can carry around with me everyday. This way I am more likely to take new photos, and it challenges me creatively having to use what I have with me. Are their drawbacks, sure I don’t always have the kit I need for every shot, but I do take a lot more photos. Usually I have my Sony A6000 and a vintage 50mm or 28mm attached, it’s very manual, but it is helping me develop as a photographer.Feedback
Be patient, take as long as you need. Never let anything rush you. If you feel you didn’t capture it the 1st or 5th time, make the adjustments and go again. Also be forgiving of yourself, you won’t always get the picture you want, I have learned to accept this and I know there will always be new opportunities.
