Common Blues, Mating
Handheld shot of two common blues preparing the next generation on some fern whilst on Skye just outside of Portree and using my old 90 mm tamron 52B adaptall l...
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Handheld shot of two common blues preparing the next generation on some fern whilst on Skye just outside of Portree and using my old 90 mm tamron 52B adaptall lens.
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Oct, 2015Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Everything Butterflies Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Beautiful Butterflies Photo Contest
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was take on the Isle of Sky not far from Portree in a meadow under some and amongst some ferns.Time
This was taken about 12.15 with the sun high in the sky, as we went on a little walk from Portree in a lovely meadow when I noticed these two butterflies mating under the shad of a fern for some privacy. I had to creep up slowly on my belly and using my elbows effectively as a tripod to support camera and lens.Lighting
Worst lighting possible with a bright clear sunny sky with the sun high in the sky almost overhead. Fortunately the ferns filtered the light to give this soft glow to the image.Equipment
I used my then old Samsung GX10 with an old manual Tamron 52B 90mm macro lens. I used my elbows resting on the ground and pressed the camera into my face (with large eye-cup fitted) as an effective hand held version of a tripod. I have never used flash to date.Inspiration
My love of love nature the small world of insects and arthropods through a macro lens, enabling me to see detail not normally seen. So I always keep an eye out for opportunities whilst we are out walking. In this case the fern subdued the light to give this wonderful glow without any reflected direct light in a wonderful position composition too.Editing
I normally process in LR before doing any final edits in PS using plugins such as Nik software, now known as Google-Nik and finish up by sharpening with High Pass Sharpening to allow me to selectively pick out the high contrast edges.In my camera bag
Nowadays, Pentax K3, sigma 70mm macro lens is usually the first bit of kit selected, followed by Pentax 12-24, 16-50, and 50-135, plus a monopod and always spare memory cards and battery.Feedback
Always keep an eye out for opportunities even in full sun as they can often turn up unexpectedly. Always approach your subject cautiously and slowly, never rush to get a shot. Wearing neutral dull colours also helps.
