close iframe icon
approved icon joseamartinez avatar
joseamartinez
Banner

Pollinating Downtown



behind the lens badge

From before I started shooting raw. Got lucky as I was walking near Navy Pier. Proceeded to slowly follow and click away, quickly changing my settings as needed...
Read more

From before I started shooting raw. Got lucky as I was walking near Navy Pier. Proceeded to slowly follow and click away, quickly changing my settings as needed, making sure it was focused, and making sure DOF, etc. was good before the chance was gone.
Read less

Views

329

Likes

Awards

Well Done
Superb Composition
KeltyB kevinscraver bodhitodd casey_gail Aadilsudheer CliftonTaylor LAGABBE +12
Outstanding Creativity
jrichar01 atharvagosavi rodgerdewberry aimeedahl isaiahsmith.jpg ___saffat___ julieannebaker +10
Top Choice
emilyrosebridle codemoji alyssa1202 natebutler65 soeysybbyllucille terencejflynn tizlife +2
Absolute Masterpiece
beverlycollinsbeal evelynrudisch mirjambuka _julianpaul Pennymike16 sigurveiggumundsdttir mikebrink +1
Magnificent Capture
wendyallport
Superior Skill
MRAngerer
Peer Award
livioferrari

Top Ranks

Our Natural World Photo ContestTop 30 rank
Celebrating Nature Photography Day Photo Contest 2016Top 30 rank
Celebrating Nature Photography Day Photo Contest 2016Top 20 rank week 2
Celebrating Nature Photography Day Photo Contest 2016Top 20 rank week 1
A World Of Macro Photo ContestTop 20 rank
A World Of Macro Photo ContestTop 20 rank week 2
A World Of Macro Photo ContestTop 20 rank week 1
See all

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo near Navy Pier, next to the beach there. I had been walking along hoping to find something interesting, when I saw the butterfly flying around, and finally perch here.

Time

It's been a while since I took this, but it was after noon. According to the file, May 23, 2012 around 1 pm.

Lighting

I felt like it was a fleeting moment, and tried to be quick and not scare away the butterfly. For this I quickly attempted a couple of different shots and composition, some with the in camera flash. Sun high over head, shadows to the left, and very light almost non existent cloud cover. This particular shot used no flash.

Equipment

This was hand held, with my first digital camera, a Nikon D40, using the kit lens. There were stairs and a railing nearby that I used to anchor myself, while my tripod was on the ground nearby, unused for this. I had to be quick so I just did with what I had.

Inspiration

I was in an exploring mood, and just headed downtown with my camera and a tripod, just walking around seeing if I found anything interesting. And once I saw the butterfly I just rushed, trying to sneak after it, seeing where it landed, and just tried to shoot away while carefully fiddling with my settings on manual. I might have looked a little silly, but I was happy to see I managed to get something I liked.

Editing

Not very much. For this upload I just messed with shadows, contrast, and color a little.

In my camera bag

It's been changing lately. When I carry my book bag, I have a Nikon 50 mm prime lens, an 18-55 mm kit lens, a Nikon 55-300 mm, an assorted things like a flash unit, flash light, video light, batteries, a filter or two, whatever I think could come in useful. Sometimes I'll carry and extra messenger bag on the side, to carry another flash or random items for that particular occasion. Maybe a tripod in hand. But lately I've been carrying a smaller bag with just my camera, the kit lens, and my prime. When at a concert or low light venue, I like a more spartan approach, and use a small bag with just the body and the 50 mm prime lens attached; and try do with that.

Feedback

Try to be aware of the type of bugs around where you live, and when or where they might come about. A relaxed patient attitude, exploring around grassy or plant filled areas, and being attentive to what's around you. And being aware of the lighting and being prepared for it, so that once you do stumble into something interesting, you're ready for it. But don't be afraid to quickly change your settings and see what works. Be familiar with your camera. I was in manual mode for this, and shifted settings around, with and without in camera flash; but settled on 1/320th of a sec, f/8, with the kit lens at 55mm for this shot [manual mode]. Luck always helps. A lot of times, when something interesting happens, you might not always have ideal equipment, so just do with what you have and try to have fun with it. One of my favorite older shots is of a dragonfly with transparent wings, close range, using an old Nokia's phone camera.

See more amazing photos, follow joseamartinez

It’s your time to shine! ☀️

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Already a member? Log In

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, and acknowledge you've read our Privacy Policy Notice.