Bug in the Lamp
Nov, 2015Views
2969
Likes
Awards
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Animals And The Night Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Pets In Action Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in Cats Being Cats Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
nandicmb
December 11, 2015
Congratulations on your Contest Finalist win in Cats Being Cats Photo Contest!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
My family owns a cabin in the middle of our 175 acre forested property in Illinois. It's a property that is dear to our whole family and where we can go to get away from the noise and craziness of civilization. My husband and I bring our cats when we go for the weekend. They all love the place because there are plenty of bugs to chase and things to explore in the cabin. This was taken in the kitchen of the cabin.Time
This image was taken at night, probably around 9pm during late October.Lighting
The reason I took this image is because I saw Crowley (the kitty) playing with the bugs in the lamp looking directly at the light. There was ambient light coming from other lights in the kitchen behind the camera, but the background is the sliding glass doors that lead to the darkness of the outside at night. The top down dramatic light as well as the light itself was part of the reason I knew I had to get the shot.Equipment
I was using my Nikon D800 with a Sigma art series 24-105 lens. No flash, no tripod, no studio lights.Inspiration
My husband and I have 3 cats. Crowley is very much "my" kitty. He always wants to cuddle with me and gives me so much love an attention, that i reciprocate. The problem for me is that he does not really like having his photo taken (his siblings do). When I saw him on the table looking at the light and the way the light fell, I knew I could probably sneak an action shot of him. I quickly pulled out my camera and got my settings right. He had been reaching up toward the lamp a few times, so I just waited until he did it again. The lamp and table in the photo are also the ones that I grew up eating dinner at, so that added an extra layer of sentimentality.Editing
I edited this image mostly in Lightroom. I don't remember exactly what I did to it, but likely I used Clairty to emphasize Crowley's fur, adjusted the levels just a bit, and I know I took out a glass reflection in the background.In my camera bag
When my bag is full, it is 23 lbs! I carry a Nikon D800 and Nikon D300 body, the Sigma Art lens, a Nikkor 50mm Prime lens, a Nikkor Fisheye lens, and usually one more zoom lens. Plus, chargers, extra batteries, my Microsoft Surface and it's charger, and extra memory cards. On occasion I'll throw an SB800 flash in there, but I normally work with available light.Feedback
Keep your eyes open. See inspiration everywhere. Even if you're not sure it will make a great photo, shoot it. Even if you think it will only mean something to you (which I thought of this image, which is now one of my most popular on ViewBug), shoot it. You'll never get a great photo if you never take a chance. Also, keep an eye out for unusual or interesting light sources. If you can see the light, you'll find all sorts of inspiration in strange places.
