IMG_1678copy2
Nov, 2015Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Fall Award 2020
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in an open field near my home in Arizona. I stumbled upon this scene by chance, as I do with almost all my best shots. I find that photography, especially nature photography, has a lot to do with opportune timing and a whole lot of luck.Time
This photo was taken in the evening of a lovely fall day. I had set out for an evening stroll with my camera, not really expecting to find anything photo worthy, but just trying to unwind after a rough week. I walked into this field that was overwhelmed with dandelions and I instantly fell in love with the feel of it. I just sat for a long while not trying to capture anything, but just enjoying the beauty of the moment. There was a slight breeze in the air as the excessive heat of an Arizona summer was finally starting to subside. I was alone; just me and the dandelions. I remember that it was so silent and calming and I decided that I needed to find a way to convey the serenity of the moment. I took a few photos trying to capture the delicacy of the dandelion branches, but as the sun was starting to set, I plucked a dandelion from the ground held it up against the dying embers of the fleeting sunshine and snapped this photo while sitting in the grass.Lighting
The lighting in this photo is crucial in both its direction and intensity. I decided to have the dandelion back-lit by the sun and refrained from using a flash because I liked the way it illuminated the branches and added a contrast between the foreground and the background. The lighting adds intrigue by supplying vibrant color to the photo which creates a sense of intensity to an otherwise mundane image. At a different time of day, this photo simply wouldn't have worked because the lighting would have been too bright to reveal any real detail or too dark to show much of anything at all. In this image's case, lighting and timing are directly related.Equipment
The only equipment I used for this photo was a a Canon Digital Rebel XS with a 18-55mm lens.Inspiration
I love macro shots of plants and insects and so I tend to gravitate towards these perspectives without really thinking about it. I love being able to show the detail and complexity of objects that are often over looked and having the opportunity of making something that is seemingly insignificant appear extravagant. Honesty, the only inspiration for this image was being immersed in this beautiful environment and wanting to share it with others. I hadn't set out to photograph dandelions or really to capture anything on film, but I stumbled into inspiration and the result was a image I am very proud of. You never know what you'll find once you start exploring your environment.Editing
The only post-processing or editing I did for this photo was through Adobe Photoshop. I added a vignette effect to darken out the areas that drew attention away from the focal point of my image.In my camera bag
I have just recently come into some new equipment, but I still don't have all the tools that I'd like to have! Currently, I always travel with my tripod because I'm getting really into long exposure night photography and for that a tripod is a must have! Other than that I always have my Canon EOS Rebel T6i, a 55-250mm lens, and a standard 18-55mm lens.Feedback
Identify your light source right away and find ways to use available lighting to your advantage. Be prepared for trial and error. If one angle doesn't work, switch it up. If the lighting is off, move around. One thing that I've discovered as I've gotten into photography is that there are amazing shots lurking around every corner, it's just about actually taking the time to notice and stopping to capture them. So spend time observing nature and identifying the things that truly capture your attention in a given environment and then try to find a way to capture those features so that your viewers will be able to see them the way that you do. Don't be afraid to get dirty or look a little strange in order to capture a scene for what it is. If you need to lay in the dirt, stand on railing, or climb a tree, then do it! Have fun with it. I know I do.
