Rhapsody in Light
This composition is the merging of 3 images, the use of a few Textures and light overlays. I love Butterflies - something a bit magical about them to me. ...
Read more
This composition is the merging of 3 images, the use of a few Textures and light overlays. I love Butterflies - something a bit magical about them to me.
Read less
Read less
Jan, 2016Views
2536
Likes
Awards
Chatter Award
Member Selection Award
Featured
Spring Selection Award
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Love it
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Genius
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Categories
Platinum
PRO+
PRO+
mihrt
January 02, 2016
sincere thanks Compton for sharing your thoughts about this composition. I really enjoyed working on it!
PRO+
PRO+
PRO+
PRO+
DonnaChiofolo
February 05, 2016
Great textures. The butterfly is almost ghostly. A very spiritual capture. :)
PRO+
PRO+
PRO+
adavies
May 27, 2016
Great image! Nicely done! If you haven't done so already, please consider joining my Illusions challenge:)
viewbug.com/challenge/illusions-photo-challenge-by-adavies
viewbug.com/challenge/illusions-photo-challenge-by-adavies
PRO+
AnneDphotography
June 26, 2016
voted - battle of the advanced ... love the post process !love the image
A_B_digital
July 07, 2016
Superb editing and texture on this image, Gail. You've given it the feel of an oil painting which suits the subject really well.
PRO
PRO+
PRO+
Bazz
December 31, 2016
Congratulations on winning Member Selection Award for December, 2016! Well deserved.
RobinV
April 20, 2017
Really awesome post processing, there's something unearthly about it. You have some very artistic photos in your portfolio, congratulations.
Platinum
Platinum
Platinum
Platinum
Platinum
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
Both photos in this composition were taken in my front yard/garden. (July 2014)Time
The Echinacea was taken at 8:40pm (late day sunlight from the Northwest). The Butterfly resting on an Echinacea leaf was taken on a different day in July of 2014, around 4pm.Lighting
The lighting was natural coming from the northwest in both instances.Equipment
Canon Rebel T4i - Canon EF 2.8 100mm Macro USM - Aperture Priority, Spot Metering - Aperture and F/Stop f/2.8 (when shooting other images with the same settings, if the light is not just right I use the Quick Mode button on the Back of the Camera and adjust Exposure Compensation accordingly)Inspiration
To be quite honest, I had broken my right shoulder April 29th of 2014. I had 'developed' good Muscle Memory and strength in my wrists, hands and arms for handholding Macro shots during the Spring to Fall of 2013. I continue to practice Macro shots indoor over the Winter months. I am right handed and was worried that after breaking my shoulder I would loose this 'memory/strength'. Personally I find handholding for Insects challenging because of how fast they move. Flowers can move as well depending on weather conditions. Within 1.5 mos. of breaking my shoulder I was doing whatever I could during the week to gain strength despite the pain. Each day I devoted time to take Macro shots, starting with my Tripod and then by July I was handholding for short periods each day. My RECOVERY actually was the INSPIRATION - along with my love of Macro Photography. Finally of course the beauty of the front garden inspired me each time I went out to take images. Often I would stay out a bit longer than I should have - but I now see this as a good thing. Nothing better than 'the beauty of Nature' to help one heal.Editing
I adjusted the colour and light levels in Adobe CS6. As well I used several Texture Layers and different Blending Modes until satisfied with the combination of the Echinacea and Butterfly shots. I was very careful while 'painting off' parts of the Butterfly image using a Layer Mask. I also used Layer Masks on the Textures, trying my best to achieve seamless blending of all layers. I introduced a 'light overlay' coming from the upper right within my Layer Stack and applied some gentle sharpening of the flower bud and butterfly as well.In my camera bag
Camera - Canon EOS Rebel T4i. The Lenses I count on are my Canon EF2.8 Macro USM (no IS-older version of the Macro lens), Canon EF24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM, Canon EF200mm f2.8L. I always carry an extra Battery and Memory Card, Cleaning Cloth for Rear LCD Screen. I mainly shoot handheld.Feedback
Living in Southern Ontario, Canada, I always try to take images whenever we have good weather. There is always the long Winter to work on my images. If for some reason you have trouble handholding - try using a tripod with a quick release, some people like a Monopod. I have a friend who has worked with OPTICS his entire life, testing lenses and cameras for camera companies, the U.S. Government, making lenses for Private Companies, Medical facilities etc. He has even made lenses for Telescopes. I met him through another Photo Site. He was very willing to help me whenever I would call him for advice, offering his best information on Macro Photography for me. I did not always have the equipment he suggested, but I worked with what I had. He is the one who told me I had to build up a 'memory in my muscles for Macro Photography'. I found him to be right. If any physical complaint is bothering you do whatever you can to assist you in getting 'the shot'. Diversity works with Photography as well as in life. The 100mm Macro requires you to get quite close to a flower or insect - when you can, even try using a Tripod with Live View on - mirror locked and a remote cable or auto remote. Practice ! As far as Layers go - invest in a good book. I take Matt Koskowski's Paperback 'Layers: The Complete Guide to Photoshop's Most Powerful Feature' whenever I have to wait for any kind of appointment. (i.e. Dr. Dentist etc.) I don't stare into my Cell Phone - I read and learn something new EVERYTIME ! I feel I am still very new to Photography - your biggest asset is LEARNING YOUR CAMERA ! With Macro Imagery, being able to quickly adjust your settings is often needed. Make sure you UNDERSTAND and KNOW how to ADJUST your Focus Points within Metering Modes - often people forget this and can't understand why a flower on the left is in Focus and the one of the right is not. If you have NEVER ADJUSTED YOUR DIOPTER for your eye - read your Manual. It is a must and the first adjustment you should do when you get your camera. Have Fun and enjoy the Mental Health Break nature offers us all.
