Bug & Bloom
Another entry from the small world. Very tiny bloom with a very tiny insect.
Another entry from the small world. Very tiny bloom with a very tiny insect.
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Dec, 2014Views
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Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Peer Award
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I like to call myself a nature photographer and oftentimes nature can be depicted best in what I call the small world; this photo represents one of those times. This image was captured by making use of a camera with good lens and extension tubes. This capture took place in a wild growth area along my property line in the back yard. Early morning light enhanced the beauty of the crisp white flower petals against an out of focus background of green buds. The black of the wasp's body is presented as a nice foil against the crisp colors in the flower and the early morning light enhanced its golden wings.Time
I find that early morning light is alive with color and contrast. This photo was taken just as the sun was rising and still at a very low angle; consequently the beauty of early morning light highlights the natural beauty of the wildflower and the wasp's visit as it enjoys its breakfast.Lighting
I was looking for color and contrast in this image and early morning light filled the bill. The only lighting used was that provided naturally.Equipment
I used my Panasonic DMC-G6 micro 4/3 camera hand held at f/6.3 ISO 160 and 1/800 sec.Inspiration
My inspiration for this photo and all photos I take was to capture the flower in its flattering beauty in the light of early morning. I am an aficionado of light, color, contrast, and saturation. This image contained all of the elements I find so necessary for a successful photo and the light of early morning is when I like to stalk this type of subject as the addition of a colorful insect to a beautiful flower really makes the photo safari worthwhile.Editing
My normal workflow for any photo I take and consider worthwhile for posting starts out in lightroom 5. After I am satisfied with the cropping and presentation, I import the photo in RAW form to PSE12 and after minor alterations I call my favorite filter program SmartPhotoEditorStudio and finish the overall look of the photo. I then go back to PSE12 and add the border and signature. Regardless how great I might believe any photo I take is in camera, I always find that a small amount of post processing is both necessary and enjoyable.In my camera bag
Depending on how far afield my photo safari is to be for any given day and my intent for that day's photo safari, I usually load my camera bag with 2 panasonic micro 4/3 cameras with several lenses; if my trip out on any particular day will be concentrated on subjects from the small world (insects and flowers) I might add extension tubes and a tripod or monopod. On certain outings I leave all of that at home and take only two cameras, my Fujifilm X-S1 and my little travel camera a Panasonic DMC-ZS50.Feedback
The best advice I can offer any photographer interested in closeup nature photography is to venture forth with the intent of not only looking for the next best image but also to practice really seeing what is available. Dew drops glistening on flowers or insects flitting around looking for a meal is always a good place to really start looking. It's best to be able to set one's camera with a shutter speed high enough to stop action and an aperture commensurate with the depth of field desired. Happy hunting!
