DSC_7525
Apr, 2016Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was take my very own back garden in Durban, Kwazulu Natal.Time
It was at around 3pm on a warm Durban autumn day, I had been closely following my little muscovy ducklings around the garden, camera in hand snapping away like crazy. The sun was sinking behind the big old trees down by the pool but it was obviously warm enough for a first swim in the dogs water bowl. So one by one they popped into the bowl delighting in the cool fresh water and allowing their tiny little wings to flap crazily as they dipped and bobbed, doing what instinctually came natural to them in the water. Once they were done, each one methodically started to dry themselves off. It was delightful to watch. So going down onto my tummy to get to their same level I managed to snap this image of my little muscovy still matted with water, looking content and ready for a late afternoon nap.Lighting
There is nothing complicated about the lighting in this image. The sun had already set behind the trees but there was still sufficient light to not need a flash. What I liked about the light at this time of the day too was that there were no shadows being cast so it was neutral. This all seemed to work in capturing the real colour of the feathers and I think it gave the image a softer feel.Equipment
This image was shot on a Nikon D5200, using a 120 - 400mm Zoom lens. I didn't use a flash or tripod.Inspiration
This was the first time I have ever had ducklings in my back yard and I did not want to miss a single moment of their growth from day to day. I noticed that every morning they would be slightly bigger and were able to achieve a new milestone. Well, on this particular day, to witness them having their first little swim was just it for me. There was no ways I was going to miss capturing this special image. The light seemed perfect and the little duckling had ventured just a little further away from mother, it was my lucky chance.Editing
I have not altered or done any post-processing on this image. I used my equipment in hand and the natural light. I felt, it did'nt need anything more.In my camera bag
I have inner turmoil when it comes to equipment in my bag. My problem is that I love my Nikkor 105mm lens for close ups. Its a heavy lens on its own. Now my dilemma is that on the opposite end I also thoroughly enjoy my big 120 - 400 Sigma zoom lens. It is nothing fancy but it works like a bomb for me when I photograph birds to later on identify them for my own records. So, my bag had to become a backpack. I feel much safer if I have all my lenses with me. Life and moments are unpredictable and I hate it if I miss opportunities because I don't have the correct lens! Oh and of course, just incase all the equipment is not enough..... I always carry my iPhone in my back pocket for quick snap shots.Feedback
Early morning and late afternoon are standard! You cant go to wrong with lighting at these two times of the day. However, if lighting is tricky shooting in RAW helps to be able to fix certain aspects of an image. One can never predict when a photo moment is going to happen, so my thought is to be ready for anything.
