Catch As Catch Can
Life can begin and endure seemingly everywhere, and there are many more dramatic examples than this one. However, this dandelion, despite having been unfortunat...
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Life can begin and endure seemingly everywhere, and there are many more dramatic examples than this one. However, this dandelion, despite having been unfortunate enough to grow from the crack in a vertical, shady canyon wall, tries hard to reach the Sunlight.
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Jan, 2016Views
257
Likes
Awards
Winner in Against the Grain Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Categories
MaggieClaire
May 03, 2017
Congrats on winning my "Against the Grain" challenge! Your image of life enduring against all obstacles fit the challenge theme perfectly. Thanks for entering! :)
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
Photo was made in Matka Canyon, a Nature Park near Skopje (Macedonia).Time
10:12:49 AM on a nice sixth day of May.Lighting
Nothing but daylight, with camera at automatic Daylight setting, no flash.Equipment
The camera was a Canon D10, an incredibly complex optical machinery produced only for professionals (look it up!) Exposure 1/320sec, aperture f/2.8, ISO 100, eV 0.00, focal length 6.2mm No other equipment of any kind was used, shot out of hand.Inspiration
This is on the left bank of Matka river, where the canyon was dammed to form an accumulation for the power plant. Approaching the Canyon and all along its length, you follow a great, big, and steep rock wall to your right. A visitors path is carved through there. The cliffs on both sides range from acutely inclined to vertical to sub-vertical. It's easy to see why free climbers and alpinists train there. Along with those daring folks, many other life forms compete in trying to grab a secure foothold in the crags, fissures and cracks. This is/was one succesful example. Ever since its roots were safely fixed, dandelion tried to search for sunlight in such an awkward way. The story about struggle and success was inspiration enough, even when it is only about a humble being like a lowly plant!Editing
The shot required some cropping, so as to bring the right parts to the right places. Nothing else was needed, bar re-sizing for upload, of course.In my camera bag
In time, I plan to take a cmprehensive shot of my usual gear, so as to be able to just point to the photo! :) I'm using a photo vest instead of a bag, as it makes it possible for me to better organize what I carry. Better yet, it makes for much better weight distribution, also allows both hands free (like in climbing steep places). In the pockets of my photo vest there will usually be two cameras (one of those watertight), a camera clamp (a stand-in for tripod), several ND and CPL filters, and spare batteries. There will be a length of paracord, a pocket knife, and a lighter - to be used in possible improvisations. Then a lightweight rain poncho, maybe a sandwich and a water bottle... And that's about all I need for a whole day's outing.Feedback
Travel light and go far! If you plan a photo walk and if you can envision what to expect, consider replacing your heavy, ungainly bag with multi-pocket photo vest. You might eventually find it easier and more practical to carry (or better, wear) when riding a motorbike or a bicycle. A photo vest may not contain all you can cram into a backpack, but that depends on your plans and purposes, of course. Me, I try and keep my gear as simple as can be, and would rather improvise than lug all of that just-in-case stuff.
