SMILE!
Jun, 2014Views
4915
Likes
Awards
Winner in Snails and slugs (no nudes) Photo Challenge
Winner in Snails Photo Challenge
Winner in Snails Photo Challenge
Featured
Contest Finalist in Macro Extravaganza Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Macro Galore Photo Contest
Winner in Curious Angles Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Great Find
Exceptional Contrast
Top Ranks
Top 20 rank
Top 20 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Categories
elfiedwards
December 05, 2014
is he/she actually smiling at me??? was my first thought before I even saw the title, hihihihi
Platinum
elfiedwards
December 05, 2014
is he/she actually smiling at me??? was my first thought before I even saw the title, hihihihi
PRO+
Platinum
heatherdanielsbarnhart
February 04, 2016
This photo totally cheers me up!! hmmmmm have you used this as a Challenge???
RavenHawk58
June 23, 2016
Well, it looks like I am not the only one who is seeing this smiling fellow. WHAT AN AWESOME SHOT.
Platinum
chrismercerimages
July 27, 2016
I am jealous, I wish I had an opportunity to take a shot as great as this one.
Platinum
PRO+
Platinum
Beautiful-Breeze
November 25, 2019
Congratulations on winning the challenge. This smell looks as though he is smiling and I absolutely love it. It captured my imagination the moment you entered it into the challenge. Congratulations again
Platinum
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken outside on our patio table.Time
This taken early one morning. It had been raining during the night and this little fella decided to get up on the table.Lighting
This was all natural lighting on a drizzly morning.Equipment
I used my Canon 5D Mark II with the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens. No other equipment!Inspiration
Inspiration for this photo came from my love of Macro photography. I was up early one morning, looked out and saw a snail hanging out on the patio table and thought "Photo Op!" I grabbed the camera and went out into the cold, wet morning. I thought a head on shot would be cool and possibly easy since he was up on a table. (no laying down on the ground for once!) He was pretty cooperative and would actually head towards the camera at times as he explored the table. Of course, at the time, I didn't realize he was smiling for the camera! Found that out when I downloaded the photo. ;)Editing
While I normally try to do as little post-processing as possible, this one took a bit. I had to increase the clarity a little (+26) as well as up the exposure (+.65). Then I added a little bit of adjustment for detail and contrast (can't remember exactly what) and finished it off with cropping.In my camera bag
My main camera is the Canon 5d MarkII. I absolutely love this camera and the kit lens that came with it (the 24-105 f/4L) is always with it. A 2nd or 3rd lens will generally depend on what I'm wanting to photograph (many times the 180 macro or 70-200 will be included). A speedlite is generally available though not used for the majority of my photos. To be honest, as long as I have the 5D and the 24-105 then I'm good to go for randomness!Feedback
My advice to others is to not be afraid to try/experiment with your equipment! Don't be afraid of failure or let it hold you back. Sometimes that shot you think isn't worth it or shouldn't work will be a great shot. Sure, you'll sort through a ton that didn't work but then you'll get that one and it'll make it all worth it. If you stop trying to learn and expand your abilities then you'll be stuck. Also, don't be afraid to go for an odd subject. I mean, who knew a snail could be cool?!
