Waiting To Bloom
Aug, 2012Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
No better place to take butterflies pictures than in an butterfly exhibition. I went to the Museum of Natural History, NY knowing that I'd be able to take pictures of many butterfly during the whole day. Usually you are not capable to get so many different species on a single walk in the park. That if you are lucky enough to find one standing still.Time
This was probably evening time. The light was consistent due the inside illumination. Some best butterflies were hidden behind the plants. So you have to take your time and wait if you want that specific butterfly.Lighting
I prefer natural light, but I always have a flash in my bag just in case I have to depend on the extra fill light when shutting against a sun or a bright background or even to make some effects. But if you have a small diffusor, it may work for your specific subject.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon D5000 and Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR lens. 1/60 sec. F/8 ISO 200. No tripod was used. Too many people around and not much time to set it up. You have to be quick because they are always moving around. I had a Nikon speedlight SB-700 mounted on hot shoes.Inspiration
I love Nature and Landscape. From the small living things to the big a vast mountains and oceans, I try to be in this environment as close as possible. I'm always searching new places, new challenges.Editing
When a took this picture, I put my flash to a low power to make a dark background as it was naturally almost dark due the quantity of shades. I aimed for the butterfly's eyes and let the rest of its body to fall for a bokeh look. I shoot raw and I definitely did some colors corrections and some minors burn and exposure adjustment in photoshop. As well some temperature correction as there were so many tungsten and incandescent lights mixed and sharpen was used too.In my camera bag
Depends where I'm heading to. I can be found walking on the streets with my Nikon D800 and an everyday Nikon - AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5 -5.6G ED VR lens. But if I'm traveling, my bag will be carrying A D800, a 2 flashes SB 700 and SB 910, besides my 28-300mm lens, a Nikon 14-24mm wide angle a Nikon 1.8 and 1.4 lens, a micro 105mm, shutter release, Lee filters, external hard drive, extras SD cards, a tripod of course, flash lights...Feedback
When leaving in a city like New York, you have to accommodate yourself and look for places around where you can find these beauties when you don't have the time to travel. We can take so much advantage of what the city has to offer. Search online, find a time for your self, making a plan is usually a good idea if you have to take the entire day in a place like this. Be quick but don't go crazy. Be it butterflies, frogs or flowers, they will not go anywhere. So be patient. Places like exhibitions can be a good start for you to try different types of photography. Don't forget you are not allowed to use a tripod! Be respectful with other photographers. Enjoy it. Sergio Costa.
